A British father has died after suffering a catastrophic medical emergency while on a last-minute fishing trip to France with his eight-year-old son. Keiren Bell, 35, from Leeds, West Yorkshire, suffered a ruptured abdominal aneurysm after travelling to France for a getaway with his young son, also named Keiren. Despite the efforts of medical staff, the father-of-two could not be saved. His devastated family are now trying to bring his body home to the UK after discovering the costs involved in repatriation would have to be met without travel insurance. A fundraising appeal has been launched and had raised more than £26,000 towards a £30,000 target at the time of writing.
‘Our lives changed forever’
Family member Beth Lynch described the devastating circumstances surrounding Keiren’s death in an emotional appeal. She said: “Our family is devastated to be writing this. “On 2 August 2026, our lives changed forever. “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.” Keiren was described by his family as a devoted father, partner, son, brother and friend. He leaves behind his 13-year-old daughter Kaitlyn and eight-year-old son Keiren, as well as his partner Lisa, mother Janine and brother Konnor. Beth said: “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.”
Family desperately trying to bring Keiren home
Keiren’s relatives have remained in France as they deal with their grief while attempting to make arrangements for his repatriation. Beth said: “His family are currently in France, trying to navigate the unimaginable heartbreak of losing Keiren while also facing the overwhelming practical and emotional challenges that come with such a tragic loss so far from home. “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.” However, because Keiren did not have travel insurance, his family are facing the substantial and unexpected costs of bringing him back to Britain. A GoFundMe appeal was established in an effort to ease the financial burden. “As Keiren had no travel insurance, his family are now faced with the unexpected costs of bringing him home to the UK,” Beth said. “We have created this GoFundMe in the hope of easing that burden. “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.”
More than £26,000 raised
The appeal has received significant support, with £26,350 raised towards its £30,000 target at the time of writing. Beth thanked those who had donated or shared the family’s appeal. She said: “Any donation, no matter how big or small, will make a difference. “If you are unable to donate, we completely understand. Simply sharing this page would mean the world to us and help us reach as many people as possible.” The family said any money raised beyond the amount required to repatriate Keiren would be used to support his two children. Beth added: “If, through your incredible generosity, we are fortunate enough to raise more than is needed to bring Keiren home, any remaining funds will be placed directly towards supporting his two children, helping to provide for their future and ensuring they have opportunities that their dad would have wanted for them. “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. “Every donation and every share brings us one step closer to bringing Keiren home, where he belongs.”
Originally published by UKNIP.
