Britain's Ex-Fattest Man Barry Austin Dies Aged 52

Britain's former fattest man has died at the age of 52, his family have confirmed.

Barry Austin was an avid Birmingham City fan and was the focus of 2005 Sky One documentary Inside Britain's Fattest Man, presented by Richard Hammond.

He also took part in 2009 ITV comedy-drama The Fattest Man in Britain, which starred Timothy Spall and Bobby Ball.

According to reports, Mr Austin's weight peaked at 65 stone, and he was known to consume 29,000 calories and drink 12 litres of fizzy pop a day.

SWNS

In 2012, he was said to have shed 20 stone after having a gastric band fitted as he prepared to marry his then-fiancée Debbie Kirby, 50, from Solihull, West Midlands.

In recent years, he was also known to have struggled with breathing issues.

He also reportedly had serious issues with his legs, including a large growth that weighed several stone.

His beloved Birmingham City wrote following his passing: "We are saddened to hear of the passing of lifelong Bluenose, Barry Austin. His love for Blues was unquestionable. May you rest in peace, Baz."

Since news of his death was announced, fellow football fans and people who met Mr Austin have paid tribute to him and shared their condolences with his family.

Commenting on the post, one user said: "Remembering the camaraderie he and the north bank at molineux had still brings a smile to my face even now and that was in the mid to late 90s. Genuinely saddened to hear of his passing. RIP Baz."

Another wrote: "Met him at the Dome. Had a chat with him. Lovely guy. May he rest in peace."

A third said: "Very sad news a big character when we visited the blues as away fans he would get lots of stick but always smiled back and gave it back RIP Bluenose from Baggiegirl."

After losing his weight, Barry was overtaken as Britain's fattest man by Paul Mason who tipped the scales at more than 70 stone.

Britain's current fattest man is now takeaway food app addict Jason Holton, 30, of Camberley, Surrey.

Back in October, Jason, who weighs 50 stone, had to be hoisted out of his third-floor flat by the fire service after being trapped indoors for five years.

Topics: Football, Twitter

Dominic Smithers

Dominic graduated from the University of Leeds with a degree in French and History. Like you, Dom has often questioned how much use a second language has been. Well, after stints working at the Manchester Evening News, the Accrington Observer and the Macclesfield Express, along with never setting foot in France, he realised the answer is surprisingly little. But I guess, c'est la vie. Contact us at [email protected]

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