A young Edinburgh family have been left devastated after their dad died of a "broken heart" months after their mum passed.
The three siblings, Emma, 17, James, 20, and Sinead Miligan, 22 from Muirhouse are heartbroken after their dad Stephen died this week.
Middle sibling James Milligan, 20, described his tragic dad as his "best mate" who was the "nicest person ever" and was friends with everyone.
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Stephen Roches, 45, passed away on Tuesday morning in the family home. His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.
Son James believes that although his dad was friends with everyone, he had been lonely since his wife died in December and he just couldn't carry on without her.
He reflected that although he is heartbroken at the loss of his mum and dad, he takes solace in the fact they are reunited again.
Speaking to Edinburgh Live he said: "We don't know the exact cause just yet but we're suspecting a seizure, he had minor ones in the past but it was more like a muscle spasm in his arm or leg.
"He was stressed as well. We've recently lost our mum, and his wife, so I can only imagine the toll it took on him.
"On Tuesday just there, I was about to get ready for work when I heard both my sisters running up the stairs. That wasn't typical so I knew something wasn't right.
"They've came right to my door to tell me our dad's on the floor not responding.
"Paramedics were called and came with fast timing but because he was in his room and we were all just waking up we couldn't be sure how long he was there for."
The 20-year-old continued: "There was some guilt shared around us but you can't expect these things when it comes down to it the guy was my best mate as well as my dad.
"I'm going to miss him a lot, the Saturday nights we'd spend watching the boxing or just sitting around talking.
"It's the wee things like that knowing I can't just go to the living room and he'll be there really breaks my heart."
James grew up watching the kind and loving presence his dad had in the local community and admired that.
He explained: "He was the nicest man I knew and everyone would say the same because in the community he had a presence.
"Everyone knew him I remember being little and asking my dad why so many people would say 'hiya' or acknowledge him.
"I don't think he had a solid answer for it but I think he just wanted the world to be his pal and he would if he could.
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"But I do think he might’ve been a little lonely after the passing of my mum so I'd like to think he's somewhere with her right now watching over us.
"Even though he wasn't a religious person to any degree I hope he was able to find a way back to her."
Tragically the family lost their mum in December last year when she passed away from complications with multiple sclerosis.
The oldest sibling Sinead, 22 told Edinburgh Live: "I’m honestly not even sure what to say, losing him was a massive shock and has hit us all hard especially after only losing my mum in December.
"I’ll always remember him sitting watching the UFC and he’d be that into watching it that he would be trying to dodge the punches.
"Me, my brother and sister will forever miss him and will always live to make both my dad and my mum proud."
A fundraising page has been set up to cover funeral costs and support the three kids financially, you can read more and donate here.
