Financial advisor Dan McGilvray, 51, overpowered members of his own family – including his 75-year-old mum – before leaping from the Norwegian Epic vessel to his death
A dad-of-four tragically drowned after jumping from a luxury Caribbean cruise ship on Boxing Day, despite his family’s desperate attempts to help. Financial advisor Dan McGilvray, 51, from Broomfield, Colorado, overpowered members of his own family – including his 75 year old mum Gerda McGilvray – before leaping from the Norwegian Epic.
Bahamian police suspect he may have had an adverse reaction to seizure medication. According to MailOnline, sources claim McGilvray woke up around 3pm on December 26 screaming: “I can’t take it anymore.”
The senior wealth advisor hit a lifeboat before vanishing beneath the waves.
The £1bn cruise liner halted its journey for a day while searches were conducted. However, the ship was eventually redirected to Nassau when the Royal Bahamas Police Force confirmed the search efforts had been unsuccessful.
Police stated: “Preliminary reports indicate that sometime around 3pm the victim became distressed and despite attempts to restrain him, he jumped from a balcony into the sea. Rescue efforts by OPBAT (a coast guard unit combining rescuers from the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos islands) and the cruise ship personnel were conducted but proved fruitless in locating him,” reports the Mirror.
A fundraising appeal on GoFundMe for bereaved Heather McGilvray and her sons after the sudden death of Dan McGilvray has garnered an overwhelming response, surpassing $29,000 (£23,000).
The emotional tribute on the page reads: “We are devastated to let you know that Dan McGilvray has unexpectedly passed away at the age of 51.
“His wife, Heather, and four sons need their friends’ support in many areas right now. As you also know, Dan was the primary provider for their family and the next year will be incredibly difficult for Heather to support her boys and learn to live without Dan.”
Adding to this, it mentions, “If you knew Dan, we know you loved him, because he was brilliant, honest, hardworking, funny and devoted to his family and friends. Thank you for honouring his legacy with any support you can provide to his family during this difficult time.”
A representative for Norwegian Cruise Line also gave a statement, expressing their condolences: “The guest was traveling with a large group and his family on board is being attended to and supported during this very challenging situation. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
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