Devastated family and friends have paid tribute to the 'loveliest' dad who died after falling ill while watching Everton play.
Charlie Chapman, 66, was gifted tickets to see Everton by his brother and travelled from Ireland before watching his team play Manchester United at Old Trafford on January 6. Charlie's daughter, Fauve, told DublinLive her dad was suffering with his breathing after arriving at Old Trafford.
Charlie had a heart attack and died on the way to hospital.
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Fauve said: "My dad went over with my brother who bought him tickets to see a Manchester United match against Everton. My brother supports United and my dad supported Everton so they went over just for a few days.
"On the day of the match, they got to the stadium and he was suffering with his breathing. They called emergency services and he had a heart attack. He died on the way to the hospital.
"Because it was unexpected, they had to do a post mortem. It would have taken two weeks for his body to be released anyway, then plus the post mortem and getting him home. So the total time he was over there before we got him home was six weeks."
The 66-year-old from Portmarnock was well-known among Irish holidaymakers in Lanzarote as he founded the famous Charlie's Bar in Puerto del Carmen as well as popular Irish bar Craic N' Ceol, which is now managed by his son Ryan. He was also a member of the popular The Miami Showband in the 1970's.
Hundreds of people have taken to social media to pay tribute to Charlie following his death, including a number of close friends.
Mike Crofton said: "I knew Charlie well and he became a good friend, we go to Lanzarote quite often and would always meet up with him and have a good chat / moan about the blues. He was a musical hero as being one of the first musicians to have a bar in Lanzarote back in the 80s, devastated when we found out he'd passed away, RIP Charlie."
Pauline Moss said: "He was one of the loveliest people you could meet, was very lucky to have known him for over 30 years, big personality, fabulous musician/ entertainer, made everyone feel special who entered his bars. Was fortunate to spend an afternoon with him when we were in holiday in December left us with the best memories, he was one special man, R.I.P Charlie you were certainly a 'Star'. XXX"
Julie Brandham said: "What a lovely kind face he had. Sending love and strength and prayers to family and friends."
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