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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
National
Milica Cosic

Fisherman dies from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to keep warm in tent

A father of three has died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning while trying to keep warm in his tent with a gas heater.

Tributes have now poured in for Steve Kitcher, who has been described as a "devoted husband" and "doting father".

Now other fishermen have been warned to be wary about gas heaters in their tents during the winter months.

The avid angler, 43, was out night fishing when it is believed that he fell asleep in his zipped-up bivvy tent with the device left on.

Tragically, without any adequate ventilation in his shelter, it is thought that Mr Kitcher was overcome by the fumes.

The father-of-three was found dead the following morning, close to his home on the Isle of Wight.

His death is being treated as a tragic accident.

Tributes have poured in for Rob from his friends and the community (Facebook)

Mr Kitcher was a well-known and popular member of the angling community in his hometown, and his friends have paid heartfelt tributes to him.

His friend Lee Burden, the manager of Advanced Hookbaits, of Ringwood, Hants, has opened up about his pal's tragic passing.

Mr Burden said: "To say I am shocked would be an understatement. It has really upset me.

"Steve was an extremely kind man who supported my business from the very beginning.

"It is absolutely awful. He was a very nice guy and he just made a tiny mistake.

"He fell asleep whilst fishing. Unfortunately he fell asleep with the heater on in the bivvy. He never woke. I just hope that we can raise enough money to help ease the burden on his family at this most difficult of times.

"It's times like this that we need to stick together as a community and support those who need our help."

And Alan Cooper, manager of CWA Fisheries, said: "Steve was a much loved member of the community and he will be missed by all who fished with him.

"It was a terrible accident.

"He was sleeping overnight and he had a heater in his bivvy to keep him warm. We all know you shouldn't have the heater in the tent but when it's cold sometimes people bring them in.

"I just want to raise awareness about how dangerous it can be so it never happens again."

Meanwhile, a fundraising page has also been set up, which aims to raise money to support his wife, Michelle, and their children.

The message on the GoFundMe page reads: "Steve was a devoted husband to his wife Michelle, a doting father to his children, Charlie, Harry & Daisy and completely dedicated to his family.

"Michelle would like to thank everyone for the lovely messages of support and says that Steve would be completely overwhelmed by the amount of love everyone has shown and is continuing to give."

Following Mr Kitcher's death, fresh warnings have now been issued to anglers about using gas heaters in bivvy tents during the winter.

Poindestres Angling Centre, of Southampton, Hants, posted on social media: "Please, please ensure that if you do use a gas heater or cooker in your shelter that you ABSOLUTELY ensure that you have adequate ventilation.

"NEVER go to sleep with it on, and ideally just wear extra layers or use a good hot water bottle instead."

So far, just over £2,000 has been raised to help Mr Kitcher's family via the GoFundMe page.

If you wish to donate to the fundraiser, you can do so here.

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