A young father from Ayrshire died on the day he was due to start university after suffering a major brain aneurysm. Drew McCleave, 24, from Stevenston, passed away on Wednesday, September 23, surrounded by his family, including his two daughters aged three and three months.
Dream of studying aerospace systems
Drew was due to begin studying aerospace systems at Glasgow University on the day of his death. His family said he had "dreamed about" starting his university studies for a long time and had ambitions of "one day putting something into space."
A fundraiser has been set up to support Drew's family and children. All proceeds will go towards their day-to-day needs, with the hope that donations can offer "a little bit of security and support" to his two young daughters.
Family's tribute to a doting dad
In a family statement, relatives said: "To lose Drew at just 24, with so much of his life still ahead of him, is something our family is struggling to come to terms with. The timing makes what has happened even harder to comprehend.
"That very day, Drew was supposed to be starting at Glasgow University, studying aerospace systems. It was something he had worked towards and dreamed about for a long time. Drew always dreamed of one day putting something into space, and he was finally taking that first step towards making that dream a reality.
"Nothing can replace Drew, and nothing can take away the pain of losing him. But we hope that, together, we can give his girls a little bit of security and support as they navigate life without their dad there to watch them grow."
Second tragedy for the family
Drew's death is the second tragedy to hit the family in four years, following the passing of his 22-year-old sister Taylor Watterson in 2021. Drew, described as a "loving" and "doting" dad, is said to have struggled to come to terms with his sister's death before his own passing.
The family statement continued: "Drew had been through an incredibly difficult period following the death of his sister, Taylor. But becoming a dad changed him.
"His girls gave him a completely different outlook on life, and he absolutely adored them. He was a loving, doting dad who loved nothing more than his two wee girls.
"Drew was loved by so many, but most of all by his two little girls. Forever 24. Forever their dad."
