Irishman Eamonn Kilbride, 46, died tragically from an apparent heart attack after performing the viral hit dance ‘Gangnam Style’ at an office party.
The Irish Independent reports on the tragic death of the husband and father of three children while at a Christmas party in England. His death has some doctors warning other middle-aged men to use caution when celebrating during the holiday season.
Professor Bernard Keavney, consultant cardiologist at Newcastle University, said, "The chance that you'll come to grief is very small. But as with any form of untypical exercise that you're not used to taking, be somewhat measured. Let the lady dance around you.”
"I certainly wouldn't say that people need to avoid Gangnam Style over the holidays,” said Professor Keavney. “[But] if you're unused to taking vigorous physical exercise, you shouldn't throw yourself into violent exertion without due preparation."
“In the context of Christmas parties there are other aspects of advice that are important like not to overindulge in alcohol and make sure you remain hydrated,” he said.
“Don’t put yourself under more physiological stress than you need to be.”
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Killbride was reportedly doing the ‘Gangnam Style’ dance, featured in the viral music video by South Korean pop star Psy. The YouTube video has had more than 930 million views since being posted online five months ago.
The Irishman, who emigrated to London in the 1980s, was at the party for the Thwaites brewery on Saturday night at Whitehall Country Club in Darwen, Lancashire when he began to experience chest pains. His wife and paramedics attempted to revive him, but he was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Julie spoke of her “loving husband” saying, “He was a great family man and he worked so hard. Eamonn was always the life of the party and loved dancing.”
“We were having a fantastic time at the Christmas party and Eamonn had just finished dancing to Gangnam Style. He was up on stage and entertaining everybody. He said he had a bit of a pain and just collapsed.
“He loved me dearly and would tell people all the time. I know he thought the world of us.”
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