The death of a Co Down firefighter who had been in a coma after suffering a heart attack aged 31 has left colleagues “deeply saddened”.
Father-of-one Kurtis Robinson, who was based at Knock Fire Station, died on Sunday while in hospital, where he had been since October.
The Donaghadee man had suffered an issue with his kidneys, which led to the heart attack, and he was induced into a coma in January after further heart failure.
It was hoped a heart transplant may save his life, while a fundraising page saw over £24,000 donated to help his recovery.
In a statement on Thursday, a spokesperson for the NI Fire and Rescue Service said: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed colleague, Firefighter Kurtis Robinson. Kurtis will be greatly missed by his colleagues in Knock Fire Station, those in Eastern Area Command and everyone at Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service.
We are deeply saddened by the passing of our esteemed colleague, Firefighter Kurtis Robinson. Kurtis will be greatly missed by everyone at NIFRS. Our thoughts & sympathies are with Kurtis’ wife Natalie & son Benny, his family, friends & NIFRS colleagues. pic.twitter.com/B3zDUtnJA9
— Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (@NIFRSOFFICIAL) February 28, 2024
“Our thoughts and sympathies are with Kurtis’ wife Natalie and son Benny, his family, friends and NIFRS colleagues.”
Mr Robinson played soccer with Portavogie Rangers FC, and in a tribute posted to social media, a club spokesperson said he “was held in such high regard by everyone and his wonderful smile always lit up training nights and match days”.
A funeral service will take place on Saturday at Beersbridge Elim Church in east Belfast.