Tragic Death of Young Father on Holiday in Cyprus

Empty beach chair at sunset in Cyprus.

A young father, Ryan Donald, tragically passed away during a holiday in Cyprus after an underlying brain injury was exacerbated by the flight. The 22-year-old kickboxer went to bed on the first night of his trip and never woke up, leaving his family and friends devastated.

Key Takeaways

  • Ryan Donald, 22, died after a flight to Cyprus triggered a previously unknown brain injury.
  • An autopsy revealed a blood clot likely caused by a kickboxing injury.
  • His family has set up a GoFundMe to cover the costs of bringing his body home and funeral expenses.

Background of the Incident

Ryan Donald, a passionate kickboxer from Portsmouth, was on holiday with friends when he went to sleep on the first night and did not wake up. His family later learned that he had been suffering from a blood clot in his brain, which they believe was a result of a kickboxing injury. The altitude of the flight is thought to have worsened his condition, leading to his untimely death.

His sister, Georgia Donald, expressed her disbelief at the situation, stating that Ryan had shown no significant signs of distress prior to his death. "He was a role model and he never quit. The doctors in England said they don't understand how he didn't show signs of the injury; he should have been in immense pain and he wasn't," she said.

Family's Response

The loss of Ryan has left a significant void in the lives of his family, particularly for his girlfriend Carmen and their four-month-old son, Leyton. In the wake of this tragedy, Georgia set up a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds for bringing Ryan's body back to the UK, as he did not have travel insurance. The campaign has raised nearly £10,000 in just one week, showcasing the impact Ryan had on those around him.

Georgia expressed her gratitude to everyone who contributed, stating, "It really showed us the impact that Ryan had and how much he was loved. It has taken a huge pressure off of my parents."

Community Support

The GoFundMe campaign not only aims to cover the costs of repatriating Ryan's body but will also assist with funeral expenses. Georgia shared that the support from the community has been overwhelming, with many people reaching out to share their condolences and memories of Ryan.

"He was the youngest of five siblings but he was the one we all looked up to. Words can't quite describe how amazing he was; everyone knew him and everyone loved him," she said.

Future Steps

A further autopsy is expected to take place once Ryan's body returns to the UK, as his family seeks closure and answers regarding the circumstances of his death. The family hopes to honor Ryan's memory and ensure that his legacy lives on through the love and support he inspired in others.

In a world where tragedies can strike unexpectedly, Ryan's story serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of cherishing our loved ones.

Sources

Share:

More Posts
Categories
KEEP IN TOUCH

Contact Us

Goldfaden Benson injury attorneys San Diego California
Name(Required)
I AGREE TO RECEIVE SMS TEXT MESSAGES REGARDING MY CASE.
By checking this box, I agree to receive text messages at any time, which include hours outside of business hours (8:00 a.m. PST - 9:00 p.m. PST). This is so that we may reach you as soon as possible in order to consult on your potential case. By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging. You can STOP messaging by sending STOP and get more help by sending HELP. See privacy policy below the submit button.
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.