A BRITISH dad died after a catastrophic medical emergency on a fishing trip to France with his young son, leaving his devastated family desperately trying to bring him home.
Keiren Bell, 35, of Leeds, West Yorks, suffered a ruptured abdominal aneurysm while on a last-minute getaway with his eight-year-old son, also called Keiren.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, he could not be saved.
READ MORE: Brit veteran ‘trapped’ and ‘homeless’ in Dubai – unable to fly home for mother’s funeral
Now, heartbroken relatives have launched a fundraiser to help cover the cost of repatriating him to the UK after revealing he had no travel insurance, as reported by Need To Know.
In an emotional appeal, family member Beth Lynch said: “Our family is devastated to be writing this.
“On 2 August 2026, our lives changed forever.
“Our beloved Keiren, aged just 35, travelled to France on a last-minute fishing trip with his 8-year-old son, Keiren, spending precious time together doing something they both loved.
“Tragically, while they were there, Keiren suffered a ruptured abdominal aneurysm. Despite the best efforts of the medical team, he sadly passed away.”
She described Keiren as a devoted family man whose sudden death has left loved ones shattered.
Beth said: “Keiren was a devoted dad to his two beautiful children, 13-year-old Kaitlyn and 8-year-old Keiren, a beloved son to Janine, a caring brother to Konnor, a devoted partner to Lisa, and a loyal friend to so many.
“He was the kind of person who would do anything for the people he loved, and his sudden passing has left an unimaginable hole in the lives of everyone who knew him.
“He leaves behind his beloved son, Keiren, his beautiful daughter, Kaitlyn, his loving mum, Janine, his brother, Konnor, his heartbroken partner, Lisa, and countless family members and friends who are struggling to come to terms with this devastating loss.”
The family is currently in France, where they are trying to cope with both their grief and the practical challenges of arranging to bring Keiren back to Britain.
Beth said: “His family are currently in France, trying to navigate the unimaginable heartbreak of losing Keiren while also facing the overwhelming practical and emotional challenges that come with such a tragic loss so far from home.
“Their only wish is to bring him back to the UK, where he belongs, so he can be surrounded by those who love him and laid to rest with the dignity he deserves.”
She explained that the unexpected financial burden has forced the family to ask for help.
“As Keiren had no travel insurance, his family are now faced with the unexpected costs of bringing him home to the UK.
“We have created this GoFundMe in the hope of easing that burden.
“Every donation will go directly towards the cost of repatriating Keiren to the UK, allowing his family to focus on one another and saying goodbye to him, rather than the overwhelming financial pressures they now face.”
Beth added: “Any donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference.
“If you are unable to donate, we completely understand. Simply sharing this page would mean the world to us and help us reach as many people as possible.”
She said that if donations exceed the cost of bringing Keiren home, the remaining money will go towards supporting his children.
Beth said: “If, through your incredible generosity, we are fortunate enough to raise more than is needed to bring Keiren home, any remaining funds will be placed directly towards supporting his two children, helping to provide for their future and ensuring they have opportunities that their dad would have wanted for them.
“On behalf of Keiren’s children, his mum, his brother, his partner, and our entire family, thank you for your kindness, generosity and support during this incredibly difficult time.
“Every donation and every share brings us one step closer to bringing Keiren home, where he belongs.”
At the time of writing £26,350 had been raised of a £30,000 target.
READ MORE: National Trust staff heartbroken as wildfire tears through beloved British beauty spot
