Heartbreak as Sunderland man Ryan Collier dies after fall from balcony on Turkish holiday

A much-loved Sunderland man who was seriously ill in hospital after falling from a balcony while on holiday in Turkey has died, a family member confirmed.
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Beloved Millfield man Ryan Collier tragically died on Friday night (October 23) after suffering a heart attack, sister-in-law Bev Jones told the Echo.

Confirming the news on Saturday (October 24), she said: “We all truly heartbroken by the news. We are in so much shock at the moment.”

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Ryan, who has been described as the ‘friendliest and loveliest lad’, had flown out to Turkish resort Marmaris earlier this month for a break from his security job with partner Donna Noble.

Ryan devastatingly died after falling from his hotel in Marmaris in Turkey. Credit: Pixabay and handout (inset).Ryan devastatingly died after falling from his hotel in Marmaris in Turkey. Credit: Pixabay and handout (inset).
Ryan devastatingly died after falling from his hotel in Marmaris in Turkey. Credit: Pixabay and handout (inset).

Ryan suffered a cardiac arrest, a fractured skull, swelling of the brain and a broken neck as well as multiple other injuries and was being treated in a private hospital in Turkey.

A giant fundraising effort was launched by his family to cover the cost of mounting medical bills and to pay for an air ambulance, which his family had hoped would be able to fly him home to continue his treatment.

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More than £11,000 has been donated as family, friends and the Sunderland community rallied together to support Ryan and his loved ones.

Devastatingly, Ryan passed away before he could be flown home.

Parents Brian and Elizabeth Collier had travelled to Turkey to be by their son’s bedside.

Ryan, who has three brothers Lewis, Darren and Craig Collier, has previously been described as a lovely lad who would do anything for anyone.

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The money donated to the Go Fund Me page will still go towards covering the cost of the medical bills which have topped more than £15,000.

His family said previously that Ryan did have travel insurance but, due to complications with coronavirus restrictions, it is understood to be void.

Ryan’s loved ones have previously thanked everyone who has supported them during this devastating time.

The latest message on the fundraising page, posted on Thursday, October 22, said: “I'm overwhelmed how many loving and caring people there is in this world and the generosity of everyone who doesn't know us.”

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