Woman dies after reportedly choking at Bottega Café, coronerâs office says
A 77-year-old woman died Thursday after she was witnessed choking at Bottega Café, according to the Jefferson County Coroner’s Office.
Birmingham police and fire were called to the Highland Avenue restaurant around 1:30 p.m.
Martha Clayton of Birmingham was taken to UAB Hospital where she died nearly an hour later.
“It‘s a very tragic situation,” said Amy Corley of the Stitt Restaurant Group. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends.”
The staff did everything they could but knew medical attention was needed and called 911 right away, Corley said. Help soon arrived, Corley said.
Bottega is owned and operated by Birmingham restaurateurs Frank and Pardis Stitt. The Italian restaurant opened in 1988.
Bottega in 2023 was a finalist for a James Beard Award for outstanding hospitality.