A much-loved dad died after jumping from a cruise ship on Boxing Day – as his desperate loved ones tried to rush to his aid. Dan McGilvray leapt from the vessel in the Caribbean.
The 51-year-old drowned after plunging into the ocean when he left the luxury Norwegian Epic liner, bounced off a lifeboat and disappeared under the surface.
It’s believed the father-of-four, who suffered from seizures, may have jumped after suffering a reaction to medication he was taking for his condition.
The Mirror reports Dan, from Broomfield, Colorado, overpowered members of his family, including his 75-year-old mother Gerda McGilvray, before jumping.
MailOnline reports sources say McGilvray woke up at around 3pm on December 26 screaming: “I can’t take it anymore.” The senior wealth advisor’s death is being examined by police in the Bahamas.
The £1bn cruise liner stopped its journey for a day while searches were launched. However the boat was eventually diverted to Nassau when the Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed searches had been unsuccessful.
Police said: “Preliminary reports indicate that sometime around 3pm the victim became distressed and despite attempts to restrain him, he jumped from a balcony into the sea.
“Rescue efforts by OPBAT (a coast guard unit combining rescuers from the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos islands) and the cruise ship personnel were conducted but proved fruitless in locating him.”
A GoFundMe was set up for the family and has already raised $29,000 (£23,000). It states: “We are devastated to let you know that Dan McGilvray has unexpectedly passed away at the age of 51.
“His wife, Heather, and four sons need their friends’ support in many areas right now. As you also know, Dan was the primary provider for their family and the next year will be incredibly difficult for Heather to support her boys and learn to live without Dan.
“If you knew Dan, we know you loved him, because he was brilliant, honest, hardworking, funny and devoted to his family and friends. Thank you for honouring his legacy with any support you can provide to his family during this difficult time.”
A spokesman for Norwegian Cruise Line said: “The guest was traveling with a large group and his family on board is being attended to and supported during this very challenging situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
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