Fan ‘had smile that will be remembered forever’
A WALES fan who died while on a trip to the World Cup in Qatar had a smile that will be remembered forever, according to singer Dafydd Iwan.
The Welsh folk musician, whose Yma o Hyd anthem is Wales’s official tournament song, was among those paying tribute to Kevin Davies, from Pembrokeshire.
The 62-year-old is said to have been rushed to Hamad General Hospital in Doha following Wales’ match against Iran on Friday, where he later died.
It is understood to have been a medical incident and that he did not attend the 2-0 defeat, but instead remained at his apartment after feeling ill.
Mr Davies had travelled to the World Cup with his son and friends.
His family are hoping to fly him back to Wales today, according to the Football Supporters’ Association (FSA) Cymru.
Mr Iwan wrote a tribute in Welsh on
Twitter, which translates as: “Very sad to hear today about the death of Kevin. A heartfelt Welshman, and one of the dearest.
“I will remember his smile forever, the incandescent smile I saw here in Doha the day before he died. Much love to his family in their longing.”
FSA Cymru’s Paul Corkrey said: “He was part of the Red Wall and we’re all devastated for him and his family. We’re all like one big family and we lost one of our family members today.”
Mr Corkrey also paid tribute to Mr Davies’ son and friends, saying they had been very “brave” in the way they had handled the situation.
He added yesterday: “The son and his friends are hoping to fly back home today and they’re hopeful of flying Kevin back to Wales tomorrow.
“There’s been a lot of support for them, so, despite having to spend hours in the police station and hospital sorting things out, which is pretty normal, things have been pushed through pretty quickly and that’s probably to do with support from outside agencies.
“We’ve seen so many tributes left to Kevin on social media, he was obviously a lovely guy and someone who will be missed.”
The British Embassy, Qatari authorities and the Football Association of Wales (FAW), as well as travel company Wonky Sheep, are said to be helping the man’s son to make all of the necessary preparations and fly home.
A Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Qatar.”
“Everyone has been very helpful, and everyone who has been asked for help has come through,” Mr Corkrey added.
Noel Mooney, the FAW’S chief executive, said on Twitter: “So sorry to hear that one of our supporters has passed away here. Our condolences go to the family and of course we are here to support however we can.”
The FAW tweeted: “Mae CBDC yn cydymdeimlo efo teulu a ffrindiau Kevin Davies. Our deepest condolences from everyone at the Football Association of Wales. Our thoughts are with Kevin’s family and friends at this sad time.
Officials believe more than 2,500 Wales fans have made the trip to Qatar for the tournament. Their numbers have been bolstered by fans already in the region arriving on shuttle flights to watch Wales take part in a World Cup for the first time since 1958.