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.
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.”
Scot James died with loved ones by his side
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MAESTIG CELTIC FC
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.
The club paid tribute to the player
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MAESTIG CELTIC FC
“But as I’ve explained, the circumstances have changed and now Scot has passed away.”
Maesteg Celtics RFC organised a football tournament to raise money for Mr James during his time in hospital.
The club paid tribute on social media following his death.
A statement read: “We are deeply saddened to share the heartbreaking news that our former player, Scot James, sadly passed away yesterday.
“Everyone at the club is devastated by this news, and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Scot will be remembered as an outstanding player and a great character and friend by everyone who had the pleasure of sharing the field with him. RIP Scot.”
The club also said Mr James would be remembered as an “outstanding player” and a “friend to everyone”.
An FCDO spokesman said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who died following an incident in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities”.
British officials are working alongside Turkish authorities as inquiries into the fatal attack continue.