A dream family fishing trip turned into an unimaginable tragedy when a 35-year-old British father-of-two suddenly collapsed and died in front of his 8-year-old son while holidaying in France, leaving loved ones and an entire community in shock. As heartbreaking tributes pour in, family and friends are sharing the emotional memories that reveal the devoted dad behind the headlines—and the final moments that have touched thousands across the UK.

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A BRIT dad has tragically died on a fishing trip with his eight-year-old son in France.

Keiren Bell, 35, suffered a ruptured abdominal aneurysm while on a last-minute getaway with his son, also called Keiren.

Heartbreak after beloved Brit dad dies on French fishing trip aged just 35
Keiren Bell was on a fishing trip in France when he diedCredit: Jam Press
Heartbreak after beloved Brit dad dies on French fishing trip aged just 35
Keiren was on a trip with his son, also called KeirenCredit: Jam Press

Despite the efforts of medical staff, he could not be saved and died on August 2.

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.

In an emotional appeal, family member Beth Lynch said: “Our family is devastated to be writing this.

“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, from Leeds, West Yorks, 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 eight-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.

Heartbreak after beloved Brit dad dies on French fishing trip aged just 35
Dad-of-two Kieren, from Leeds, pictured with his familyCredit: Jam Press/GoFundMe
Heartbreak after beloved Brit dad dies on French fishing trip aged just 35
Keiren’s family are fundraising to help cover the cost of repatriating him to the UK after revealing he had no travel insuranceCredit: Jam Press

“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, arranging to bring Keiren back to Britain and “trying to navigate the unimaginable heartbreak”.

Beth said: “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,” Beth said.

“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 said that if donations exceed the cost of bringing Keiren home, the remaining money will go towards supporting his children.

“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,” she said.

“Every donation and every share brings us one step closer to bringing Keiren home, where he belongs.”

So far, £26,350 had been raised of a £30,000 GoFundMe target.