Dad, 30, died suddenly on dream trip just days before birth of second child

Tributes have been paid to Ryan O’Connor

A dad who travelled to pursue his goal of teaching at a Thai boxing academy died suddenly days before the birth of his second child.

Ryan O’Connor, from Rossendale near Bury, had travelled to Thailand in his ‘last chance’ to achieve a lifelong ambition before his wife Joanne gave birth.

But the 30-year-old was put on life support after suffering a cardiac arrest during the trip.

Medics managed to restart his heart, but Ryan died in hospital the next day, Lancs Live reports.

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According to MailOnline, Joanne gave birth to the couple’s second child on Sunday (July 6).

A GoFundMe page has now been set up to support Ryan’s young family – with more than £40,000 already raised so far.

Ryan’s brother, Liam O’Connor, posted on the page: “Ryan O’Connor, a much-loved and well-known member of the Rossendale community, passed away after falling ill and then suffering a cardiac arrest whilst attending a Thai Boxing Academy in Thailand.

“Medics were able to restart his heart, and he was put on life support but sadly died the following day.

“Joanne, who is a maths teacher, now faces the unimaginable pain of preparing to bring new life into the world whilst coping with the uncertainty of their future and the devastating knowledge that their new daughter will never meet her father.

“Riley, the first child who is nearly three, will not see her father again.”

Friends and family described Ryan as a ‘great dad and husband’ whose strength and love left a lasting impact.

His legacy ‘will live on through his children and the countless people whose lives he enriched’, they said.

The money raised will be used to pay for medical expenses, repatriation costs and to support Joanne and her two young children.

Liam added: “Thank you to every single person who donated, shared, and supported Joanne and the kids through this unthinkable time.

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“Ryan was deeply loved, and this outpouring of support is a true reflection of the impact he had on so many lives.”

Liam told MailOnline that his ‘loud’ and ‘funny’ brother had died days before his 31st birthday, after he became struck down with what his family believe to have been a severe infection.

On his brother fulfilling his goal of coaching in Thailand, Liam said: “He just wanted to do it before he had two children… It was his last chance to go and do something that he’s always wanted to do.”