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Need To Know > U.K News > Brit dies as ‘relaxing Turkey holiday turns into nightmare’ – family pay tribute to ‘warrior’
A Scottish joiner died after falling critically ill during a holiday in Turkey, leaving his family heartbroken and prompting a fundraiser to cover medical and repatriation costs.
U.K News

Brit dies as ‘relaxing Turkey holiday turns into nightmare’ – family pay tribute to ‘warrior’

Will Millar
Last updated: July 6, 2026 1:41 pm
Will Millar Published July 6, 2026
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David Kelly. (Jam Press/GoFundMe)
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A Brit has died after a “relaxing holiday in Turkey turned into a nightmare” when he suddenly fell seriously ill hours before flying home.

David Kelly was at the airport when his health rapidly deteriorated.

Within hours, the joiner was rushed into intensive care and placed in an induced coma.

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He was kept alive on life support as he fought for his life thousands of miles from home.

His devoted wife, Dawn, remained at his bedside in a Turkish hospital for four weeks, as reported by Need To Know.

A fundraiser set up with the permission of David’s family said: “What was meant to be a relaxing holiday in Turkey turned into a nightmare that none of us could have imagined.

A Scottish joiner died after falling critically ill during a holiday in Turkey, leaving his family heartbroken and prompting a fundraiser to cover medical and repatriation costs.
David and Dawn. (Jam Press/GoFundMe)

“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.

“Placed into an induced coma and kept alive by life support, David was fighting for his life thousands of miles from home.

“For four long weeks, his devoted wife, Dawn, remained by his side in a Turkish hospital, never leaving him as he battled with incredible strength and courage.”

David, from Barrhead, Renfrewshire, Scotland, was eventually repatriated on 8 June aboard a specialist flying intensive care unit.

He was taken to the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital in Paisley.

The fundraiser said he continued his fight while receiving “outstanding care” from hospital staff.

A Scottish joiner died after falling critically ill during a holiday in Turkey, leaving his family heartbroken and prompting a fundraiser to cover medical and repatriation costs.
David Kelly. (Jam Press/GoFundMe)

But David sadly died peacefully on 18 June surrounded by his family.

The fundraiser added: “Despite everyone’s best efforts, our warrior David passed away peacefully on 18 June, surrounded by his loving family.”

His family later announced the devastating news through his business’ Facebook page, Barrhead Joinery.

They said: “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.

A Scottish joiner died after falling critically ill during a holiday in Turkey, leaving his family heartbroken and prompting a fundraiser to cover medical and repatriation costs.
Social media comment on the post. (Picture: Jam Press)

“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 described 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.”

Tributes have also poured in from members of 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.”

A Scottish joiner died after falling critically ill during a holiday in Turkey, leaving his family heartbroken and prompting a fundraiser to cover medical and repatriation costs.
Social media comment on the post. (Picture: Jam Press)

Another person 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. x”

A fundraiser has been launched to help ease the financial impact of David’s emergency medical treatment abroad and specialist repatriation.

Money raised will also support Dawn and the family, help with funeral expenses and fund donations to Kidney Research UK and the Intensive Care Unit at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.

The appeal said the donations would recognise the “exceptional care and compassion” shown to David and his family.

READ MORE: Brit dad dies on Turkey holiday with NO travel insurance – family hit with HUGE bill to bring him home

A Scottish joiner died after falling critically ill during a holiday in Turkey, leaving his family heartbroken and prompting a fundraiser to cover medical and repatriation costs.
David Kelly. (Jam Press/GoFundMe)

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