Tragedy as healthy dad dies on Christmas Day after playing with kids

Mark Cox had spent Christmas Eve playing games with his young children in matching pyjamas. Then on Christmas Day, without warning, he died.

A young family has been left in shock after a “fit and healthy” dad died on Christmas Day, hours after playing with his children.

Mark Cox, 38, of Wales, died from an undiagnosed brain aneurysm after waking up with a headache on Christmas Day.

The young father had spent Christmas Eve playing games with his wife Tracey and children Lily, 12, and Connor, 9, as the family wore matching pyjamas.

He had no signs of illness in the lead-up to Christmas, loved ones said.

But when he woke up on Christmas Day at about 6am, Mr Cox, a legal executive, told Tracey he had a pain in his head and his condition quickly deteriorated.

Tracey called an ambulance, administering CPR while waiting for paramedics to arrive.

Mr Cox was rushed to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff where he died.

His sister-in-law Natalie Nash said his death was a “complete shock”.

A young dad's family has been left shocked and devastated after he died suddenly on Christmas Day. Picture: GoFundMe

“Mark was pretty healthy and never smoked or drank,” she said.

“It was completely out of the blue.”

With the UK under strict COVID-19 restrictions over Christmas, Ms Nash formed a bubble with the Cox family so she could spend Christmas Day with them.

She said the children were devastated and her sister Tracey was trying to remain strong for them.

“It’s just heartbreaking,” she said.

“Mark was loved by so many people – he was so kind and caring and had so many friends.”

Ms Nash has launched a GoFundMe page to raise money for Tracey and the children.

More than $26,000 has been raised so far.

“The family are distraught,” Ms Nash said.

“Mark was loved by all that met him; he was kind, caring, funny, sociable and the wittiest person I knew. He was a crucial part of our family and will be missed so much.

“My sister Tracey and her young children Lily and Connor ... had their worlds completely turned upside down this Christmas.

“This year has been unbelievably tough and we want to make sure they know that they have as much support as possible during this horrific time.

“It’s to cover any funeral costs or other bills. I just wanted to take away the financial burden.

“Tracey has been overwhelmed with the support and kindness she’s received from people and can’t thank them enough.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission