Dad, 35, died suddenly
DAD Craig Sturgess’ family say they have been left heartbroken after he died suddenly at his home while sitting on the sofa and watching TV.
A DAD who died suddenly at his home has been described by his heartbroken family as a “very caring” man who had dreams of becoming a paramedic.
Craig Sturgess, from Cwmbach in Aberdare, was watching television on the sofa in his living room on January 27 when he lost consciousness and stopped breathing.
An ambulance arrived at the 35-year-old’s home the following morning when he was discovered by his wife Rachel, but the medics could do nothing to save him.
It is still unknown what caused his unexpected death.
His father David said: “I am absolutely heartbroken. I couldn’t breathe when I was told.
“He always wanted to help people out and he had a very caring nature about him.
“He’s got a young son who’s just about to turn two years old. Rachel is understandably broken to pieces by it all.”
Craig, who worked as a Welsh Ambulance Service call handler and was training to become a paramedic, was described by his dad as a “bit of an entrepreneur” and had set up a beard grooming business.
Tributes have been paid to the young man by the Welsh Ambulance Service Trust, which described Craig as “enigmatic”.
Brian Jarvis, clinical contact centre manager at the Welsh Ambulance Service and Craig’s line manager, said: “We were shocked and saddened to hear about Craig’s untimely passing and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family at this difficult time.
“Craig was a muchloved and respected member of the team, having joined the Welsh Ambulance Service in 2011. “Last year he was nominated for a Call Handler of the Year Award for his handling of a CPR call and it was for this reason that the International Academy of Emergency Dispatch asked Craig to assist them on a piece of work looking at how call handlers manage barriers to performing CPR.
“Craig was an enigmatic individual leaving a lasting impression on everyone he met; his bright white smile visible through his well-groomed beard is one thing in particular for which he will be remembered by many.
“Craig had aspirations of becoming a paramedic, a role he would have no doubt excelled in, and his death is the trust’s sore loss.
“Craig’s colleagues are being supported through this sad time.”