McGilvray leaves behind a wife and four sons (Image: Gofundme)
Tragedy struck on Boxing Day when a -of-four, Dan McGilvray, 51, drowned after jumping from the Norwegian Epic ship despite his family’s desperate attempts to save him. The advisor overpowered relatives, including his 75 year old mother Gerda McGilvray, before leaping into the ocean.
Authorities in the Bahamas suspect he may have had an adverse reaction to medication. reports that sources claim McGilvray, from Broomfield, Colorado, awoke at around 3pm on December 26, exclaiming: “I can’t take it anymore.” After hitting a lifeboat, he vanished beneath the waves.
The £1bn luxury liner halted for a day to conduct searches, but was later rerouted to Nassau following confirmation from the Royal Bahamas Police Force that efforts to find him were unsuccessful. The reported: “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 fundraising campaign has been launched on for the bereft family of Dan McGilvray who died unexpectedly at 51, managing to collect over £23,000. The page shares the family’s heartbreak: “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”, reports
It goes on to read: “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.”
Moreover, a representative for Norwegian Cruise Line commented on the tragic incident, saying: “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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