Tragedy as Scotland fan dies suddenly on Euro 2024 trip with tributes pouring in

A Tartan Army fan has tragically died in his sleep during a trip to Germany for Euro 2024 with tributes being paid to a “genuine good guy”.

Colin King, from Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, was found dead in his bed after a day of exploring the city of Dusseldorf, reports The Daily Record.

Tributes have flooded in for the 57-year-old after his nephew, Christopher O’Rourke, announced his uncle’s heart-breaking passing.

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He wrote on The Tartan Army Group: “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 footsoldier 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 (yesterday).

“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.”

Scotland fans were quick to pay their respects to their fellow fan following the tragedy, with many replying with memories of Colin.

Hugh Paton wrote: “My sincere condolences to Colins 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 added: “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.”

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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 wi his favourite folk and in the midst of having fun.

“Looks as if you’ve all had a great time the gither over the years supporting Scotland. Great memories made and good friendship. Lots of love to you and the family.”

Christopher changed his Facebook profile picture to a snap of him and his uncle on Scotland duty, prompting a flurry of comments from friends and family.

One said, “So sorry thinking of you all”, another wrote, “Thinking of you all”, a third posted, “Soo sorry for ur loss xxx”, a fourth said, “So sorry to hear this Christopher thinking of you all”, and a fifth read: “Thinking of you all. Awful news.”

The UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office was approached for comment.