A wife heartbreakingly watched her husband die in her arms on their delayed honeymoon after he suddenly fell ill.
Eric and his wife Constanze got married before the pandemic but were unable to celebrate tying the knot on a honeymoon due to the lockdowns.
The 39-year-old and his wife were finally able to get away to Kenya on their dream holiday this year but, completely out of the blue, Eric suddenly fell ill from a deadly infection and was rushed to hospital.
His condition deteriorated rapidly and within just a few days he tragically died on March 6, leaving two children, Yarik, four, and Feline, six, behind.
Eric’s pal Robert Gropp described the dad as a “respected and well-liked” friend “who enriched our lives with so much kindness, respect, commitment and humour”.
He added: “Eric and his beloved wife Constanze have had to wait a long time for their honeymoon.
“Finally the time had come and the two could set off for Africa. Once there, they were able to enjoy being together to the fullest and gain their first wonderful impressions on their excursions.
“Unfortunately, this changed suddenly and completely unexpectedly. Eric suddenly became very ill and was taken to a hospital.
“His condition deteriorated rapidly and steadily, so within a few days Eric lost the fight against the infection and died. Always at his side - Constanze.
“Words cannot describe the torments Constanze had to experience in Africa and the unbelievable suffering you and your two beloved children (Yarik 4 and Feline 6), who your families and relatives have to endure.”
The Sun reported that the mayor of Lauter-Bernsbach shared a message after Eric’s sudden passing, they said: "It's just incredibly sad that such a young family man was taken from life, he stood firmly in life, was popular and committed in the town.
"He was a very valuable person who will be greatly missed. My thoughts are with the relatives. I get goosebumps talking about it”.
Robert has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family after their sudden loss, with donations already over £20,000 - twice the target.
The first round of donations have already been transferred to Constanze, and the page will run until March 21, Robert said.
He described the widow as “incredibly grateful and overwhelmed” at the outpouring of support.
Robert added: “With this fundraiser, we can neither alleviate the pain nor the grief, but make the path a little easier for Constanze and her two loved ones.
“We say goodbye from the bottom of our hearts - Dear Eric - we will miss you, but we will always remember you fondly and honor your memory.
“rest in peace”. ️
