David Kelly, a 54-year-old joiner from Barrhead, Renfrewshire, Scotland, has died after falling seriously ill at an airport in Turkey just hours before his return flight. His family described the incident as a 'nightmare that none of us could have imagined'.
Sudden Illness at Airport
Kelly was at the airport when his health rapidly deteriorated. Within hours, he was rushed to intensive care and placed into an induced coma. He was kept alive on life support for four weeks in a Turkish hospital, with his wife Dawn by his side.
A fundraiser set up with the family's blessing stated: 'What was meant to be a relaxing holiday in Turkey turned into a nightmare that none of us could have imagined. Just hours before his flight home, David suddenly became seriously unwell at the airport. Within a matter of hours, his condition deteriorated rapidly, and he was rushed to intensive care.'
Repatriation and Final Days
On June 8, Kelly was flown back to Scotland aboard a specialist flying intensive care unit. He was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley. The fundraiser noted that he continued his fight while receiving 'outstanding care' from hospital staff.
Sadly, David passed away peacefully on June 18, surrounded by his family. The fundraiser stated: 'Despite everyone's best efforts, our warrior David passed away peacefully on 18 June, surrounded by his loving family.'
Family Tribute
His family shared the news via his business's Facebook page, Barrhead Joinery. They announced: 'We would like to share the devastating news that sadly after fighting as hard as he could, our lovable, amazing David Kelly passed away on Thursday 18th June. Barrhead Joinery will now cease trading, as a family we'd like to thank you all for the work you all have given David over the years. Lots of love from his wife Dawn and daughters Gemma & Sophie.'
David was remembered as a much-loved husband, father, brother, uncle and friend. The fundraiser said: 'He was someone who was always there to lend a hand, offer support, and put others before himself. Now it is our turn to be there for those he loved most.'
Community Tributes
Tributes flooded in from the local community. Noreen McHugh wrote: 'I am devastated to hear this sad news about Davie. He was an excellent professional who I counted on over the years. But upmost a wonderful human being who was always friendly and honest. My sincerest condolences to you and your daughters. A huge loss for you all. RIP Davie, you will be sorely missed.'
Another individual added: 'So sorry to hear this very sad news. David did some work for me when I moved into my home in Newton Mearns some years ago. Such a lovely, lovely man. Sending you all my heartfelt condolences.'
Fundraising Campaign
A fundraising campaign has been set up to help alleviate the financial burden of David's emergency medical care overseas and specialist repatriation. Funds collected will also assist Dawn and the family, contribute towards funeral costs and provide donations to Kidney Research UK and the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital. The appeal stated the contributions would acknowledge the 'exceptional care and compassion' demonstrated towards David and his loved ones.
