Jump directly to the content
Exclusive
DEATH PROBE

Cocaine and booze killed mum who fell ill in hot tub at home belonging to son of Lib Dem peer Sir David Steel

Claire MacCabe’s, 44, death certificate reveals the cause of the tragedy as pals celebrated Graeme Steel’s birthday

A MUM who died after falling ill in a hot tub at the home of Lib Dem grandee David Steel’s son was killed by a cocktail of booze and cocaine.

Claire MacCabe’s death certificate reveals the cause of the tragedy as pals celebrated Graeme Steel’s 52nd birthday.

 Claire MacCabe tragically passed away
3
Claire MacCabe tragically passed away

The public document blames “alcohol and cocaine toxicity whilst in water” as well as “fatty degeneration of the liver and cardiac fibrosis”.

Claire, 44, was rushed to Edinburgh Royal Infirmary from the party at Graeme’s home in Stow, Selkirkshire.

But the certificate confirms she died in the hospital at 10.45pm on September 1.

The document is signed by her site manager husband Matthew, 45, who survives her with her son aged six.


Mum collapsed and died after hot tub birthday ‘bender’ at remote farmhouse belonging to son of Lib Dem peer Sir David Steel


We told how the party at the cottage Graeme is believed to share with wife Lynne, 51, was described as a “bit of a bender”.

A source said: “It was just a fantastic birthday party.

 Lords Steel was Liberal leader for 12 years and Holyrood’s first presiding officer
3
Lords Steel was Liberal leader for 12 years and Holyrood’s first presiding officerCredit: Alamy
 The party at Graeme’s home in Stow, Selkirkshire
3
The party at Graeme’s home in Stow, Selkirkshire

“For it to end like this is heartbreaking.

“It’s a really tragic set of circumstances that’s left people feeling numb. What should have been a very happy time has left everyone very sad.”

Dad-of-three Graeme, a land- scaping boss, said at the time: “Words cannot express how we feel at this loss.”

Police inquiries are ongoing but the death is not suspicious.

Neither Graeme nor Matthew could be reached for comment.

Lord Steel, 80, was Liberal leader for 12 years and Holyrood’s first presiding officer.

kevin.duguid@the-sun.co.uk

Lord Sugar calls for drugs to be legalised to stop London stabbings


We pay for your stories and videos! Do you have a story or video for The Scottish Sun? Email us at scoop@the-sun.co.uk or call 0141 420 5200 


 

Topics