HOLIDAY HELL AFTER CLIFF PLUNGE TRAGEDY
Paisley man dies in ‘jumping accident’ on Portuguese break
Nearly £20,000 has flooded in to repatriate a young Paisley man who plunged to his death from a Portuguese cliff.
Andy Kerr had jetted out to Portugal with his model girlfriend as soon as travel restrictions allowed.
His final poignant posting on Facebook was four days earlier after enjoying a family night out at Ingliston Country Club in Bishopton.
He published a photo with his mum Jane, saying: “Me n mum. Love ya xxx.”
Jane Kerr’s reply said: “Love you back more than you will ever ever know.”
Andy was on holiday with his Latvian girlfriend Karolina Markevica when tragedy struck. She launched an appeal to help with costs and by yesterday the total stood at more than £18,400. The exact circumstances of his death, or where it happened, have not yet
emerged.
A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Portugal.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Andy was a goalkeeper for Gleniffer Thistle and was well known in the town, enjoying keeping super-fit
Karolina said Andy had died “in a cliff jumping accident” and added: “Andy was the love of my life, best friend, my rock.
“Andy dedicated his life to helping and motivating others to achieve their best, to improve their lifestyle, to become successful. Charming, independent, energetic and compassionate, Andy was and will be our mentor, who could have changed the world with just an idea.”
Andy was a regular at ProLife Fitness Centre gym in New Sneddon Street and had been speaking about his excitement at flying out to Portugal.
The gym has donated £500 to the appeal and paid tribute to him by saying: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of our long- term member and friend Andy Kerr, following an accident on holiday in Portugal. Andy was a regular user of the gym, a very fit young man who will be remembered for his boundless energy in the gym.
“He was very well liked by members of all ages in the gym and his passing has saddened many gym members over the weekend.
“Our last memory of Andy was in Life Kitchen, our inhouse cafe, where he was talking excitedly about his forthcoming holiday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy’s family and we hope our donation will go some way to making things easier for his family in getting him home.”
Friends online have remembered him as being full of talent and kindness, and someone who knew how to make people laugh.
Paula Holding made a donation to “a lovely young man” who had helped her and her children.
She said: “I still can’t believe this is real. All my love and thoughts with everyone who loves you, especially your family.”
Karol ina had posted excitedly about their holiday to Portugal.
After the tragedy on Friday, Karolina said she was “devastated by Andy’s loss” and launched an appeal to return his body to the UK.
She said: “We want to give Andy the memorial he deserves, to honour his memory and say our last goodbyes.” Donate at https:// gofund.me/623f1325