A Scotland supporter has tragically died after collapsing outside a pub in Boston, United States, having fulfilled his lifelong dream of watching his national team compete at the World Cup for the first time in nearly 30 years.
Details of the incident
Thomas 'Tam' Murty, 62, from Glasgow, became unwell outside The Dubliner Irish Pub in Boston on Thursday, June 18, 2026. He passed away the following morning. The devoted Scotland fan had travelled to the US earlier in June to join the Tartan Army and support his country at the tournament.
Family tribute and fundraiser
Tam's heartbroken family paid tribute to the football lover, describing him as 'Scotland-daft' and saying he was 'exactly where he wanted to be'. His son, Gavin Murty, launched a GoFundMe campaign to raise funds to bring his father's body back from the US and to cover funeral costs.
Gavin wrote on GoFundMe: 'Thomas Murty had his heart set on seeing Scotland reach a World Cup again. This summer, he finally got his moment. He packed his bags, pulled on the navy blue, and flew to Boston to join the Tartan Army, thousands of Scots roaring their country on at the biggest tournament in the world.'
'Tam was Scotland daft his whole life. He lived for it - the highs, the heartbreaks, the songs, the hope that never died no matter how many years went by. Following Scotland wasn't just something he did; it was who he was. To finally see his country at a World Cup, after almost three decades of waiting, was the dream of a lifetime.'
'He got to live that dream. Surrounded by his fellow fans, in full voice, with the saltire flying - Tam was exactly where he wanted to be.'
'On Thursday 18th June, Thomas collapsed outside The Dubliner Pub in Boston. He passed away the next morning, thousands of miles from home, doing the very thing he'd dreamed of for nearly 30 years.'
'Our family is heartbroken. And now we're facing something no family is ever ready for - bringing Tam home from another country, laying him to rest the way he deserves, and finding our feet without him.'
'That's why we're asking for help. Every single pound will go towards bringing Thomas home from the United States, giving him the funeral he deserves, and supporting the family he leaves behind.'
Gavin added: 'If you've ever stood in the rain singing for Scotland, if you know what that badge means, then you understand exactly what this trip meant to my dad. He was one of us. He was Tartan Army to his core.'
Condolences from the community
People took to social media to offer their condolences. One wrote: 'So sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and your family.' An American commented: 'I'm so sorry this happened. I'm happy he came and was able to see our city and spend time with the Tartan Army to celebrate.' Another said: 'That's so upsetting that he has passed away. I'm so glad he got to see them play and live his dream.' A fourth added: 'The Tartan Army is one of a kind, as I'm sure Thomas was.'
