Scotland fan dies after collapsing at US pub having fulfilled lifelong World Cup dream
Thomas ‘Tam’ Murty, 62, from Glasgow, tragically died after collapsing outside a pub in Boston, US, on Thursday, June 18, having fulfilled his lifelong dream of seeing Scotland at the World Cup with the Tartan Army
Thomas ‘Tam’ Murty sadly passed away after traveling to watch his beloved Scotland (Image: GoFundMe)
A Scotland fan has tragically died after collapsing outside a pub in Boston.
Thomas ‘Tam’ Murty, 62, from Glasgow became unwell outside The Dubliner Irish Pub in the city on Thursday, June 18. He sadly passed away the following morning.
The “Scotland-daft” supporter, who “lived” for the national team, realised his “life-long dream” of watching his country compete at the World Cup for the first time in nearly 30 years after travelling to join the Tartan Army in the US earlier this month.
Tam’s heartbroken family said he was “exactly where he wanted to be” and have paid tribute to the football-lover on social media.
They are also raising funds for his body to be brought back from the US and for a “deserving” funeral, reports the Daily Record.
Tam’s devastated son, Gavin Murty, wrote on GoFundMe: “Thomas Murty had his heart set on seeing Scotland reach a World Cup again. This summer, he finally got his moment. He packed his bags, pulled on the navy blue, and flew to Boston to join the Tartan Army, thousands of Scots roaring their country on at the biggest tournament in the world.
“Tam was Scotland daft his whole life. He lived for it – the highs, the heartbreaks, the songs, the hope that never died no matter how many years went by. Following Scotland wasn’t just something he did; it was who he was. To finally see his country at a World Cup, after almost three decades of waiting, was the dream of a lifetime.
“He got to live that dream. Surrounded by his fellow fans, in full voice, with the saltire flying – Tam was exactly where he wanted to be.
“On Thursday 18th June, Thomas collapsed outside The Dubliner Pub in Boston. He passed away the next morning, thousands of miles from home, doing the very thing he’d dreamed of for nearly 30 years.
“Our family is heartbroken. And now we’re facing something no family is ever ready for – bringing Tam home from another country, laying him to rest the way he deserves, and finding our feet without him.
“That’s why we’re asking for help. Every single pound will go towards bringing Thomas home from the United States, giving him the funeral he deserves, and supporting the family he leaves behind.”
Gavin added: “If you’ve ever stood in the rain singing for Scotland, if you know what that badge means, then you understand exactly what this trip meant to my dad. He was one of us. He was Tartan Army to his core.
“Anything you can give – even a few pounds, even just sharing this with someone who’d understand – would mean the world to us. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts. Haud him close, Scotland.”
People have taken to social media to offer their condolences to the grandfather.
One penned: “So sorry for your loss. Take care of yourself and your family,” while an American wrote: “I’m so sorry this happened. I’m happy he came and was able to see our city and spend time with the Tartan Army to celebrate.”
A third wrote: “That’s so upsetting that he has passed away. I’m so glad he got to see them play and live his dream,” while a fourth chimed in: “The Tartan Army is one of a kind, as I’m sure Thomas was.”
