Tribute to UN official who froze to death

Dec 13 2007 by Liza Williams, Liverpool Daily Post

A COLLEAGUE has paid tribute to a UN official based in Warrington who froze to death after his wallet was allegedly stolen during a night’s drink- ing session in Vienna.

John McFadzean, 36, died as a result of alcohol and low temp-eratures after he fell asleep on a park bench.

Earlier, he had taken part in a late-night drinking session, but was unable to gather together cash to get to his hotel room after finding his wallet missing.

Steven Broomhead, chief executive of the North West Regional Development Agency, where Mr McFadzean was based, described him as an “energetic and popular” man, who would be sadly missed.

The incident occurr-ed in the early hours of September 14 but details have only recently been released.

Mr McFadzean, head of the UK office of the UN International Development Organisa-tion, was in Austria attending an interna-tional conference at the time. He was joined by other delegates at a bar in the city at the end of one day’s session.

But it is thought the delegate, who lived in Warrington, wandered the streets after discov-ering his wallet was gone before settling on a park bench to sleep off the effects of the alcohol.

Mr Broomhead, said: “John’s contribution to the Agency cannot be understated. His passion at work was international business development, particularly in the Third World where his work in India, China and throughout Africa has made a remarkable contribution to aid programmes and business growth.

“He was an energetic and popular member of staff who I know will be sadly missed by all that knew him. Our deepest condolences go to John’s family and friends.”

It is thought the effects of drink, with the missing wallet, may have prevented Mr McFadzean from reaching his hotel.

A police spokesman said: “A 36-year-old man was found dead on a park bench in Vienna’s 19th district about 9.45am on September 14.”

A Polish man is reported to have been arrested in connection with the incident.

lizawilliams