Scotland fan dies while on Euros trip as tributes paid to ‘genuine, good guy’

A Scotland football fan has died in his sleep during a trip to Germany for Euro 2024.

Colin King, from Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, was found dead in his bed on Monday morning after a day of exploring Dusseldorf. Tributes have poured in for the 57-year-old dad after news of his passing was revealed on social media by his nephew, Christopher O’Rourke.

Mr O’Rourke wrote: “After the dream of qualification became a reality, and the scramble for tickets and flights, after the disaster that was the opening match, it all feels so unimportant now! It’s with a broken heart and tears streaming down my face I am reporting the loss of our fellow Tartan Army foot soldier Colin King.

“He attended the match on Friday and met up with us in Dusseldorf on Saturday, spent Sunday enjoying the city and went to bed in the wee hours of the morning but tragically never woke up Monday.

“He was many things to different people, a father, a husband, a brother, a friend, a colleague, a boss to many but to me he was my uncle Colin, always on the wind-up. He loved his trips away with Scotland and luckily I got to share a few with him just sadly this was his last. This trip will be memorable for everyone but for different reasons.”

Fellow Scotland fans were quick to pay their respects to their fellow fan following the tragedy, with many replying with their memories of Mr King. Hugh Paton wrote: “My sincere condolences to Colin’s family.

“I’m sitting here having breakfast before travelling through to Cologne and devastated and very much in disbelief hearing this sad news. Colin was a work colleague and friend for many year and one of the genuine good guys… RIP mate.”

Andrea Maxwell-McMaster added: “Absolutely heartbreaking news R.I.P Colin King you are all in our heart and thoughts.” Stephen Lawn said: “So sorry to hear, especially during what should have been an escape from bad times and bad news – tragic news, condolences to you, friends and the family.”

Chris Johnston posted: “Colin you were a ‘classic’ rest easy mate. If we learn anything today it should be that life is never a guarantee. Appreciate the ones that are still here as you just never know when it becomes time up.”

Richard Palmer said: “He will be missed a wonderful guy my parting memory knocking on the train window as we left Munich for Stuttgart early on Saturday morning RIP Colin.” Tom Johnstone posted: “So very sorry to hear this tragic news and it surely highlights that life is short and you have to enjoy every minute which appears Colin did.

“RIP young man and continue to sing ‘Flower of Scotland’ with other members of the Tartan Army based in Heaven. And Anne Marie Kenneth said: “Sorry to hear. It’s a shock for you all because of the timing too.

“Always a sadness. He had been with his favourite folk and in the midst of having fun. Looks as if you’ve all had a great time together over the years supporting Scotland. Great memories made and good friendships. Lots of love to you and the family.”

The UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office has been approached for comment.

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