The brother of a Co Derry man who died unexpectedly in Sweden earlier this month has described him as "one of a kind".
Limavady native Kevin Higgins, 49, had been living in Sweden with his partner and two children when he suffered a heart attack and died on February 3.
A keen sports fan and the brother of current Derry City football manager Ruaidhrí Higgins, Kevin’s family are raising funds for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, which has been assisting them with bringing his remains home.
READ MORE: Murder victim ‘touched lives like an angel on earth’ – inquest hears
His brother Paddy said he was a special person who each of his three brothers looked up to.
Paddy told Belfast Live: “He was a special person, the eldest of four brothers and he was our protector.
“He moved away from home when he was 19 when he was in university but he always wanted to come back home.
“It’s all a bit of a shock that we’re even talking about it. Everybody in Limavady knew Kevin, he was one of a kind.
“He was different and charismatic and he just loved life. It’s quite a big shock for everybody to get our heads around.”
A talented GAA player and keen follower of all sports, Paddy says Kevin had been taking part in a jiu jitsu class the day before he died.
Paddy added: “He was a fit and healthy 49-year-old and was fit as a fiddle, it’s all a bit bizarre.
“He was at a jiu jitsu class and his coach said it was an intense session and Kevin came through it no bother.
“You never in your wildest dreams think that it’s going to come to your own doorstep.”
The family says they have been touched by all the messages of support they have received since the news of Kevin’s death and appealed for support to the KBRT.
“They have been unbelievable to be honest and just make you feel at ease every time you are talking to them,” Paddy said.
“The work that they do is amazing and they have taken a massive weight off our shoulders.”
READ NEXT:
Christopher Quinn: Tributes to Derry man killed in crash in Australia
Derry restaurant to donate percentage of intake to earthquake appeal
Bereaved parents open up on baby loss in bid to help others for Derry book
Meet the Strabane family who have raised more than £1million for charity
To get the latest breaking news from Co Derry straight to your inbox, sign up to our free newsletter.
