Welsh rugby player dies after ‘unprovoked’ attack during family trip abroad

Welsh rugby player dies after ‘unprovoked’ attack during family trip abroad

A Welsh rugby player and father of two has died after being subjected to a "brutal and unprovoked" attack while on holiday in Turkey. Scot James, 34, suffered severe head injuries, including a fractured skull and bleeding on the brain, according to a family friend. He spent 13 days in a Turkish hospital before being declared brain-dead on July 11. Mr James, who played for Maesteg Celtic RFC near Bridgend in South Wales, was described as fit and healthy before the incident. TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say The rugby player was transported back to the UK by air ambulance, accompanied by his mother, and admitted to the ICU at the Royal Glamorgan Hospital. His relatives had raised £7,500 through GoFundMe to cover the costs of remaining in Turkey during his hospitalisation. His family described Mr James as a "loving father, son, grandson and partner" and an "all-round loveable man". His sister Hannah said: "Peacefully with all his loved ones around him my beloved brother Scot passed away." She added: "We as a family got to spend and cherish his last few days with Scot and be by his bedside. "But sadly yesterday afternoon Scot decided it was his time to go and us as a family was there to hold his hand while his life support was turned off and while he sadly passed away." She called the attack "murder" and vowed the family would ensure the "perpetrator gets what he deserves for killing Scot". Hannah also provided an update on the GoFundMe page, saying: "I'm giving you this update as initially this was set up to help cover the cost of the family staying out in Turkey. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: Drought extended across whole of Wales as Britain grapples with 'exceptionally high' temperatures Popular seaside town overrun by shirtless yobs as early morning brawl spills into streets Archaeology breakthrough as back-to-back heatwaves expose breathtaking lost sites across Wales "But as I've explained, the circumstances have changed and now Scot has passed away."