A dad who died suddenly at Butlins was described as a "lovely" man with a "heart of gold."
Jonathan Gelling was at the resort in Minehead, Somerset, with his partner Caroline Conway, 48, and friends for a weekend away to watch the UK Open darts tournament on the weekend of March 3.
The 41-year-old, originally from Wigan but living in Kirkby, had watched the first part of the tournament on Friday, before having some food and going to bed. He was found the following morning by his partner Caroline, who shouted for help.
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But despite the best efforts of his friends and paramedics who performed CPR, Jonathan was pronounced dead at the scene. Tributes have flooded in to Jonathan on the ECHO's Facebook page since the tragic news of his death, with many people sharing their condolences with his family.
John Sheridan said: "One of my best mates. Top lad and will be missed by many."
Laura Joan Hill said: "He was a lovely man xx."
Lisa Blackburn said: "Heartbreaking so tragic. My love always to our special friend Caroline xxxx."
Pat Barrie said: "RIP young man gone too soon."
Janet Potter said: "So sorry for your loss RIP Jonathan."
Debbie O'Connor said: "So sad RIP John xx."
Friends Lisa and Vicki Jackson have set up a Gofundme page to support Caroline with the cost of Jonathan's funeral. Lisa Donoghue, 49, said they would also like to thank the security staff at Butlins Minehead who couldn't do enough to help them throughout the ordeal.
Paying tribute on Caroline's behalf, Lisa said Jonathan was "such a friendly, friendly person."
She described him as a "happy" man who "would do anything for anybody", adding: "he was such a lovely, genuine guy. He'd been in a new job for three weeks. He had a lot of friends, especially from school."
Jonathan had recently started a new job working at a bread factory just weeks before he died on March 4. His funeral will be held at St Helens Crematorium on March 29.
A message on the Gofundme page reads: "We are fundraising on behalf of our lovely friend and colleague Caroline Conway, who is a nurse at Aintree Hospital. Her loving partner Jonathan Gelling suddenly passed away on Saturday 4 March 2023 at the age of 41.
"His passing was completely unexpected and has devastated all those that knew Jon. He was a loving, caring person that had a heart of gold and had an amazing sense of humour.
"Jon had just begun a new job and had no life insurance or funeral plan. Caroline will now have to find the funds to pay for his funeral.
"We are hoping that with the help of all of our friends, family, colleagues and any well wishers that we can help Caroline in any way possible. Any contribution would be greatly appreciated."
A Butlin’s spokesperson said: “Our heartfelt condolences go out to Jonathan’s family and friends at this incredibly sad time.”
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