A young father from Gateshead has tragically died in his sleep while on holiday in Turkey, leaving behind his three-year-old daughter. David Hartley, 28, passed away on Monday, June 29, just days after arriving in Antalya on June 25.
Cause of Death
According to his family, Hartley suffered from sleep apnoea and a heart condition. His cousin Melissa, who set up a GoFundMe page, said: "David had sleep apnoea and a heart condition. He went to sleep while in Turkey and, tragically, never woke up." The family described his death as sudden and unexpected.
Fundraising for Repatriation
Hartley did not have travel insurance, leaving his family with a substantial bill to bring his body back to the UK. The GoFundMe appeal, launched to cover repatriation costs, raised nearly £8,000 in one day and over £10,000 by Saturday morning. Melissa said: "As David's passing was so sudden and unexpected, he did not have travel insurance. We are now faced with the heartbreaking reality of having to raise a substantial amount of money to bring him home."
Family's Grief
Melissa expressed the family's devastation: "It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved cousin, David Hartley, sadly passed away while on holiday in Turkey. He was only 28 years old and leaves behind his beautiful three-year-old daughter, along with a heartbroken family and so many friends who loved him dearly." She added that the family has lost Hartley's grandmother, mother, and now David within three years.
The family has been overwhelmed by public support. Melissa said: "We are absolutely overwhelmed. In just one day, almost £8,000 has been raised for David. We truly cannot believe the kindness, generosity, and support that has been shown." The funds will help bring Hartley home for a funeral and farewell his family believes he deserves.
