Following the heartbreaking statement that a father passed away at his son's funeral, more devastating information has emerged.
Norman White, 61, tragically collapsed just as his son's coffin was being carried into St Bede's Chapel.
The Sudden Tragedy
Norman White’s death occurred during the funeral of his son, David Beilicki, who had lost his battle with addiction on July 31, 2025, per The Sun.
David’s passing was a tragic blow to the family, especially as he had been making strides in his recovery.
As the family gathered to mourn David, Norman collapsed, prompting emergency crews to rush to his aid. He was quickly taken to a nearby hospital with his sister by his side. Sadly, Norman was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital.
Was Grief to Blame for Norman’s Death?
Norman’s daughter, Chantelle Beilicki, believes that the emotional toll of losing her brother may have contributed to her father’s sudden death, per Teesside Live.
She suspects that the immense heartbreak of losing his son could have led to the fatal collapse.
Reflecting on the day, Chantelle recalled the horrifying moment when she arrived at the chapel and noticed her father was missing.
She shared that she believes her father’s death could have been the result of a "broken heart" from the overwhelming grief of the situation. "Seeing the family together might have been too much for him," she added.
David Beilicki’s Ongoing Struggles with Addiction
David Beilicki, 41, had been living with Chantelle and her family in Park End, working hard to stay clean after a long battle with addiction.
His sudden death was especially devastating because he had been showing positive signs of recovery. However, on the day of his death, David was found lifeless on a relative’s sofa, a victim of his long-standing struggle with substance abuse.
New Tragic Information
Tragically, David’s death occurred on the same day as the tenth anniversary of his attending a memorial for his stillborn twin sons, Karson and Deacon. His passing has left the family heartbroken, especially Chantelle, who said her children are “devastated.”
David, a father to grown son Ethan and young son Jaxon, was known for his kind heart and his efforts to rebuild his life. Despite his struggles, he was deeply cherished by those who knew him.
The Ongoing Investigation
As the family mourns their loss, an investigation into the cause of David's death is still underway.
His funeral took place on August 21, 2025, and the family is still grappling with the heartbreak of losing him. The events surrounding his death and the sudden loss of Norman have left them reeling.
Chantelle described the entire ordeal as surreal. The loss of both her brother and father in such a short span of time has been nearly impossible to comprehend.
Emergency Response and Support Amid Tragedy
As Norman’s family continued with the funeral service for David, emergency responders worked quickly and tirelessly to try to save Norman.
Chantelle later praised the staff at Rose Funerals for their exceptional professionalism and compassion during such a traumatic time.
Despite the horrific events unfolding, they managed to ensure the service continued smoothly and provided emotional support to the grieving family.
Norman White: A Well-Loved Community Figure
Norman White was a beloved figure in his community, especially known for his passion for boxing.
Throughout his life, he had trained and mentored others in the sport, earning a reputation as a "popular and well-liked" individual.
Chantelle reflected on her father’s influence, saying, "He was my dad and I idolised him." Norman’s legacy as a father and community figure remains an enduring part of his family's memory.
Norman White's funeral service is scheduled for September 18.
If you or someone you know is battling addiction, please reach out for help and contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's (SAMHSA's) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (1-800-662-4357) or go to https://findtreatment.gov/