Brit dad dies while pursuing Thai boxing dream just days before wife gives birth
A devoted father died alone in Thailand just days before his wife gave birth back home in the UK.
Ryan O'Connor, 30, flew to the country for his "last chance" to fulfil a lifelong goal - to train at a Thai boxing academy - before his second baby was born. Tragedy struck just weeks later when he became suddenly unwell, bedridden with severe diarrhoea and what the family suspect was a serious infection.
He managed a video call to his parents on June 26, during which he described his symptoms, but his condition deteriorated minutes after this conversation. Ryan's dad had contacted his hotel to request urgent medical help but, by the time the emergency service personnel had arrived to his room, Ryan had gone into cardiac arrest.
The dad, from Lancashire, died just days before his 31st birthday, and days before his wife Joanne O'Connor gave birth to their baby girl. Ryan leaves behind the newborn, his three-year-old daughter and his partner.
Ryan's grieving brother, Liam, said: "If you knew Ryan, you would know he was a great dad and husband. His strength, humour, and warmth have touched so many people. Now it's our turn to rally around him and his family during their darkest hour.
"(Joanne) now faces the unimaginable pain of preparing to bring new life into the world whilst coping with the uncertainty of their future and the devastating knowledge that their new daughter will never meet her father. Riley, the first child who is nearly three, will not see her father again."
Medics were unable to restart Ryan's heart on June 26 after his cardiac arrest. The keen boxer was placed on life support in hospital but went into septic shock the following day, with his kidneys failing, and passed away the next morning.
Liam has created a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Joanne, who has now been left to raise two young children alone. The campaign aims to help cover mounting costs, including essential living expenses, the possible repatriation of Ryan's remains, medical bills, and longer-term support for the young family.
Recalling his brother's trip, Liam told Mail Online: "He just wanted to do it before he had two children. He thought he couldn't go out there before having two children. It was his last chance to go and do something that he's always wanted to do." Liam described Ryan as "loud", "funny" and "my best friend".
He continued: "Please consider donating whatever you can and share this page widely. Every donation, no matter how small, would make a huge difference. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts."
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