A postman collapsed and died while delivering mail after suffering a suspected heart attack during the HEATWAVE, it emerged today.
Graham Bennett, 47, keeled over as he posted letters and parcels through people’s doors as temperatures rose to a sweltering 27C.
He was half-way through his round on the Ermine estate in Lincoln and had just finished delivering to houses in Thurlby Crescent when he collapsed at 11.30am on Monday.
Residents desperately tried to resuscitate the dad-of-two while others dialled 999.
He was rushed to hospital but he died a short time later.
Just two weeks ago rugby fan Graham posed in British Lions team shirts with his wife Fiona at the 2nd Test in Melbourne.
Yesterday (Thurs) Fiona, who turned 51 on Wednesday, was too upset to comment and was being comforted by family and friends at their home in Saxilby, Lincs.
A spokesman for the Met Office confirmed temperatures rose to 26.9C at the highest point in Lincoln on Monday.
Hourly figures show the thermometer rose from 21.3C to 23C between 11am and midday on one of the hottest days of the year.
Graham’s stepdaughter Stacie Vine said a passer-by tried to resuscitate him, but the circumstances of what happened were still unclear.
Writing on Facebook, she said: “We appreciate the messages of condolence posted.”
Paying tribute to the postman, colleague Lee Marshall wrote: “Will miss you Graham, it was a pleasure to work alongside you in my time at RM, your passing leaves our office in shock and we are still struggling to comprehend everything that’s gone on :(. R.I.P my friend.”
Pal Chris Gooding added: “sleep tight my friend I will always remember are (sic) last chat together about the british lions, i hope your rugby stories are going down well with the big man upstairs..R I P Graham.”
The popular postie, who lived in Saxilby, Lincs., had worked at the Lincoln depot for 29 years.
A spokesman for Royal Mail spokesman, Nick Martens, said: “Royal Mail confirms that one of our colleagues at the Lincoln Delivery Office died this week while out delivering the mail.
“Our thoughts are very much with his family, friends and colleagues at this very sad time.”
A spokeswoman for Lincolnshire Police confirmed they received a call from the ambulance service at 11.30am on Monday about a postman in cardiac arrest in a public place.
But the force didn’t investigate the death once it emerged Graham had died of natural causes.
Rugby fan Graham had recently returned from Australia where he watched the British and Irish Lions take on the Aussies.
On June 29 Fiona wrote on her Facebook page: “2nd test in Melbourne, happy magical times xx”
Neighbours yesterday (Thurs) expressed shock at Graham’s death.
One said: “He was a lovely bloke and always seemed very healthy but liked a beer or two.
“It’s an absolute tragedy and if the heat was a contributing factor then all postmen should undergo health checks before this happens again.
“The last time I spoke to him was a few days after he got back from Australia watching the rugby.
“He seemed really up beat and was looking forward to treating Fiona to a good birthday.”
