A British father has tragically drowned in a hotel swimming pool while on a dream holiday to Africa over the New Year period.
Unmanned Pool Tragedy
Michael Clarke, aged 64 and from Yorkshire, died on December 31 while swimming at the Mansea Beach Hotel in Kololi, on The Gambia's Atlantic coast. The pool was reportedly unmanned at the time, with no staff or lifeguards present to provide assistance.
It is suspected that the 64-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest, potentially triggered by the low temperature of the water. With no immediate help available, he drowned in the pool. The incident has left his family devastated, particularly as this was his first holiday abroad in two decades.
Family's Desperate Plea for Help
His daughter, Victoria Walker, is now leading a desperate campaign to raise funds to repatriate her father's body back to the United Kingdom. The family have set up a GoFundMe page to cover the significant costs of bringing him home and arranging a funeral.
Speaking from Sheffield, Victoria explained the profound significance of the trip for her father, who had lived with depression for over 20 years. "In recent months, he had begun a genuine healing journey, focusing on his mental health and rebuilding a sense of peace," she said. "This trip was deeply significant... a step toward life, not the end of it."
Fundraising for Repatriation
The family's fundraising appeal highlights the sudden and shocking nature of the loss. "We are reaching out to ask for your help — any donation, no matter how small, will go directly toward bringing him home and giving him the farewell he deserves," Victoria stated.
The GoFundMe campaign has so far raised over £1,200 from 40 donations, but faces a substantial target of $10,000 to cover all expenses. The family are urging the public for support during this incredibly difficult time as they navigate the complex and costly process of international repatriation following the tragic accident in the West African country.
