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Bill Swallow's son dies from carbon monoxide poisoning
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Written by Mike Thames, 08/07/10
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Classic racing legend Bill Swallow's son has died in his sleep after inhaling carbon monoxide.
In news that may come as a shock to motorcycle insurance policyholders, 29-year-old David Swallow was found dead in the back of his van after placing a lit barbeque in his vehicle to keep him warm as he slept.
Father Bill, who has won seven Classic Manx Grand Prix races, had accompanied his son to the Bob McIntyre Memorial Classic motorbike meet in East Lothian.
After the racing had finished, father and son had a barbeque meal before settling into their separate vans for the night.
Bill Swallow explained that the pair had decided to stay on the circuit.
"When we came back it had got a bit chilly and the barbeque was just outside with a bit of heat in it," he said.
"We put it in the back of David's van and sat round it to keep warm."
Mr Swallow said he was told that the barbeque had continued to give off carbon monoxide for the first hour that David was asleep.
Carbon monoxide cannot be smelled or tasted and prevents the blood from oxygenating blood cells, tissue and organs.
Poisoning from the gas can lead to paralysis, brain damage and in cases like David Swallow's, can be fatal.
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