A British father-of-one from Hemel Hempstead has died unexpectedly while on holiday in Cyprus, leaving his partner and eight-year-old daughter “heartbroken” and his family facing thousands of pounds in repatriation and funeral costs.
Jonas McDowall, 34, passed away on 5 June during what was meant to be a family trip. His relatives have launched a GoFundMe appeal, which has already raised more than £4,400 towards its £5,500 target, as donors rally around the family in the wake of the tragedy.
His brother George McDowall, who set up the fundraiser, wrote: “With broken hearts, we are reaching out to ask for help following the sudden and devastating loss of our beloved brother, Jonas, aged 34, who passed away unexpectedly in Cyprus on 5th June.” The appeal describes Jonas as a “loving son, brother, partner, father and friend who touched the lives of so many people,” and says his sudden death has left “an unimaginable void” in their lives.
While dealing with their grief, the family has been left to confront the considerable financial burden of bringing Jonas home from Cyprus, arranging a funeral and supporting his young daughter and partner. Money raised will go towards repatriation costs, funeral and memorial expenses, and travel costs for family members. “Jonas was a kind, caring, and hardworking man who would do anything for the people he loved,” the family said. “He deserved many more years with his family, and while nothing can ease the pain of losing him, we want to give him the dignified farewell he deserves and provide some security for the family he leaves behind.”
The tragedy follows a separate incident in Corfu last month in which British father Ray Lally, 42, died after a quad bike he was riding with his 14-year-old son Arjun veered off a hillside track and plunged into a drainage ditch on 19 May. Arjun was thrown from the vehicle moments before his father fell into the ditch. Emergency services rushed to the scene and Ray was taken to Corfu General Hospital, where medics were unable to save him. His son, who was seriously injured in the crash, has been in hospital for almost two weeks. Ray, who leaves behind his wife Kiran, 38, their three-year-old twins and his teenage son, has been described as a devoted father who was incredibly close to Arjun.
