Arthur Somerset died suddenly before his big Olympic moment

A man who brought “innovative” events to the East End for the London Olympics has died just days before the Games opening.

Arthur Somerset is described by friends and colleagues as a larger than life character

Arthur Somerset, 52, who helped transform the traditional salmon smokery, Formans, on Fish Island, into a corporate hospitality venue died suddenly yesterday (July 25).

As Director of Events at Forman’s Fish Island in Stour Road he helped set up an outside beach club and hospitality suites for the Olympics to compliment the indoor events space and restaurant at Forman’s.

Venue owner, Lance Forman, said: “We are all devastated at Forman’s, we’re in tears.

“We had been working together for four years to bring everything together for the Olympics. This was going to be his big moment.

“He was a real showman and put on innovative events that really helped regenerate the East End.”

Mr Somerset suddenly felt unwell on site and was taken by ambulance to Homerton, where he later died, Mr Forman explained.

Before joining Forman’s four years ago Mr Somerset put on events at Trinity Bouy Wharf in Blackwall and around Spitalfields.

Director at Trinity Bouy Wharf, Eric Reynolds, said: “He was a larger than life character and put on some very interesting corporate events.”

Mr Somerset leaves behind his wife Tanya and three young children.

An inquest into the cause of death was opened and adjourned at Poplar’s Coroners Court on Monday (July 30).