The Rhyl RNLI lifeboat station has paid tribute to volunteer crew member Kyle Simpson, who died suddenly at the age of 26. In a heartfelt statement, the station celebrated his infectious laugh and noted that he went above and beyond what is expected of a new volunteer.
Flag lowered to half-mast
The station's flag has been lowered to half-mast as a mark of respect. Despite joining the crew only a few months ago, colleagues said his cheeky character had already made a lasting impression.
The RNLI station said: "It is with great sadness we report the sudden passing of Rhyl RNLI volunteer crew member Kyle Simpson.
"Kyle had joined the station with the last intake of volunteer crew members, and like the rest of his cohort, he had been progressing well with his training, always being eager to learn and performing his shore crew role on multiple service calls.
"Although he had only been on the crew a few months Kyle's cheeky character shone through when he was at the station.
"Over the past few months, Kyle had been going above and beyond what is expected of a new volunteer, and would spend a great deal of his time assisting with the maintenance of the lifeboat station and all its assets.
"Kyle also threw himself headfirst into the social aspect of the station, regularly attending fitness sessions and celebrations with the crew.
"We will greatly miss Kyle and his infectious laugh. We know he would have been a fantastic crew member who was already incredibly proud to be part of the team, and as a station, we were very proud to have him.
"The stations and the lifeboat memorials flags are currently at half mast in his memory."
Thoughts with family and friends
RNLI Rhyl said its thoughts are with Kyle's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time. The UK office of the RNLI added: "We're so very sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Kyle. Thinking of the whole Rhyl crew and Kyle's family and friends at this incredibly difficult time."
