THE family of a Co Derry teenager who died of an undiagnosed heart condition while holidaying in Bulgaria have thanked those who have offered "phenomenal" support in the wake of the tragedy.
Nineteen-year-old Daniel Smyth collapsed in the bathroom of his hotel room in the early hours of Sunday morning.
The family initially feared he died as the result of an accident, but a post-mortem revealed he had an undiagnosed cardiac arrhythmia.
His loved ones received the news of his condition on Tuesday.
Plans are underway to bring Daniel's body back home to Coleraine, while an online fundraising campaign to support the family reached its £5,000 target within four hours of going live.
Read more: 'Curly hair and banter like no other' - Tributes paid to Coleraine teen after death in Bulgaria
Daniel's cousin, Ellen Devenney-Adams, told the Irish News how the teen had been enjoying a family holiday at a resort in Bulgaria's Black Sea coast when the tragedy happened, and was looking forward to starting university in England in the autumn.
"This was a big family trip and Daniel was so excited to be starting a four-year graphic design course at Norwich University of the Arts later this year," she said.
"I had helped him during his application process and in applying for accommodation for when he moved. He couldn't wait to see what life outside of Northern Ireland was like. We are just so devastated at this loss at what was such an exciting time for him."
Family members who were with Daniel will be flying back to Northern Ireland on Friday, ahead of the return of Daniel's body.
Speaking of the GoFundMe fundraising, which will cover funeral costs and also support the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust charity, Ms Devenney-Adams said: "The support we have received is absolutely phenomenal, and the target was reached within four hours of going online on Sunday.
"People generously donated from so many surprising places - we even had a donation from someone in North Carolina, while of course the support from the community back home has been overwhelming. The family is so thankful for this support at such a painful time."
