28-year-old dad dies in Turkey and family must pay to bring him home to UK

28-year-old dad dies in Turkey and family must pay to bring him home to UK David leaves behind a three-year-old daughter and a heartbroken family A three-year-old girl has been left without her dad after a man died in his sleep while on holiday in Turkey. David Hartley, 28, tragically never woke up after going to sleep during the trip abroad. His family said that David had sleep apnoea and a heart condition. David, from Gateshead, died in Antalya, Turkey, just days after he arrived on June 25. David had no travel insurance and with the sudden and unexpected nature of his death, the family has now been left with a huge bill to bring him home. His loved ones are desperately trying to raise enough money to bring him back to the UK so he can be laid to rest. A fundraising appeal has since been launched to help cover the cost of repatriating David. In just one day, almost £8,000 had been donated to the GoFundMe page set up by his cousin Megan. She said: "It is with broken hearts that we share the devastating news that our beloved cousin, David Hartley, sadly passed away while on holiday in Turkey. "He was only 28 years old and leaves behind his beautiful three-year-old daughter, along with a heartbroken family and so many friends who loved him dearly. This is an unimaginable loss for our family. “In the space of just three years, we have lost David's grandma, his mum, and now David himself. Our hearts are completely broken. David had sleep apnoea and a heart condition. He went to sleep while in Turkey and, tragically, never woke up. "As David's passing was so sudden and unexpected, he did not have travel insurance. We are now faced with the heartbreaking reality of having to raise a substantial amount of money to bring him home to the UK. "Until these costs are covered, we cannot bring David back to his family, where we can finally lay him to rest and give him the funeral and farewell he truly deserves. We are asking, from the bottom of our hearts, if anyone is able to donate, no matter how big or small, to help bring David home." The family have been overwhelmed by the amazing response from people across the nation with over £9,000 now raised. Following the response to the fundraiser, Megan added: "We are absolutely overwhelmed. In just one day, almost £8,000 has been raised for David. "We truly cannot believe the kindness, generosity, and support that has been shown. This incredible support is making such a huge difference. "From the bottom of our hearts, thank you. Our family will be forever grateful for the love, compassion, and generosity of you all."