UK

Apprentice Baggs died as result of asthma

'VISIONARY’: Stuart Baggs 
'VISIONARY’: Stuart Baggs  (BBC/PA)

Apprentice competitor Stuart Baggs died as a result of his asthma, from which he had suffered for many years.

The 27-year-old, who ran a communications firm on the Isle of Man, was found dead at his home in the island’s capital Douglas at around 9am on Thursday last week.

A statement released by the Isle of Man Constabulary said a coroner found Baggs died of natural causes.

“Mr Baggs had suffered from asthma for many years and died as a result of his condition,” the statement said.

At 21 Baggs was the youngest candidate when he appeared on the BBC1 show in 2010.

He was knocked out at the interviews stage and the series was eventually won by Stella English but he became a cult favourite with his steady stream of catchphrases and his description of himself as “Baggs the brand”.

Inspector Michelle McKillop said: “From the reaction we have encountered during our inquiries it is clear that this is a tragic and premature loss of such a hardworking and visionary young man.

“We extend our thoughts to the family at this sad time and on their behalf I would request that they are now left in peace to grieve as a family.”

Dr Samantha Walker, deputy chief executive of Asthma UK, said: “Our thoughts are with Stuart Baggs’s family and friends at such a heartbreaking time.

“Many people don’t realise how serious asthma is, yet every 10 seconds someone in the UK is having a potentially life-threatening asthma attack and sadly three people die every day.

“I can’t stress enough how important it is that people with asthma recognise the early warning signs of an asthma attack and know what to do when their symptoms are getting worse.

“Every person with asthma should have a written asthma action plan which helps them deal with worsening symptoms and what to do in an emergency.

“Without one, people are four times more likely to be admitted to hospital for their asthma. Anyone concerned about their asthma can call the Asthma UK helpline on 0300 222 5800 to speak to a specialist asthma nurse or visit www.asthma.org.uk for more information.”