A British rugby player has died after an alleged attack while on a family holiday in Turkey earlier this month left him brain dead. Scot James, 34, was declared brain dead in Turkey on July 11 after what his family have described as an assault.
He was brought back to the UK last Friday via air ambulance and passed away on Sunday at The Royal Glamorgan hospital in Wales. Scot, who played for Maesteg Celtic RFC, was described as a "loving father, son, grandson and partner" and an "all-round loveable man" in social media tributes.
Family's fundraising campaign
A GoFundMe was initially set up to raise money for the family as they extended their stay in Turkey to remain with Scot, Wales Online reports. His sister Hannah wrote in an update on the page: "Peacefully yesterday with all his loved ones around him my beloved brother Scot passed away."
She added: "Scot was sadly declared brain dead in Turkey on Saturday 11th July 2026. For 13 days Scot’s family stayed in Turkey to be at Scot’s side as Scot was still on life support as the laws in Turkey are different to ours and they won’t just switch the life support off."
"On Friday 24th July Scot was flown home via air ambulance to the UK with my mother by his side where he was taken to ICU in The Royal Glamorgan hospital. We as a family got to spend and cherish his last few days with Scot and be by his bedside."
"But sadly yesterday afternoon 26/07 Scot decided it was his time to go and us as a family was there to hold his hand while his life support was turned off and while he sadly passed away."
Official response and club tribute
The Foreign Office confirmed it is working with local authorities following Scot's death. An FCDO spokesperson said: "We are supporting the family of a British national who died following an incident in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities."
His local rugby club, which hosted a football tournament to raise funds in recent weeks, paid tribute on social media. Maesteg Celtics RFC said on Facebook: "We are deeply saddened to share the heart-breaking news that our former player, Scot James, sadly passed away yesterday. Everyone at the club is devastated by this news, and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time. Scot will be remembered as an outstanding player and a great character and friend by everyone who had the pleasure of sharing the field with him."
The Mirror has approached the Turkish Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkish Police Foreign Relations Office for comment.
