A Scotland football supporter tragically passed away in his sleep whilst on a trip to watch the Euro 2024 in Germany.
Colin King, originally from Blantyre, South Lanarkshire, was discovered lifeless in bed on Monday morning after spending the day discovering the wonders of Dusseldorf. Tributes have been flooding in for the 57-year-old father, following news of his death being shared on social media platforms by his nephew, Christopher O'Rourke.
In a heartfelt statement, Mr O'Rourke posted: "After the dream of qualification became a reality, and the scramble for tickets and flights, after the disaster that was the opening match, it all feels so unimportant now! It's with a broken heart and tears streaming down my face I am reporting the loss of our fellow Tartan Army foot soldier Colin King.
"He attended the match on Friday and met up with us in Dusseldorf on Saturday, spent Sunday enjoying the city and went to bed in the wee hours of the morning but tragically never woke up Monday."
Describing the many roles Mr King played in people's lives, he added:"He was many things to different people, a father, a husband, a brother, a friend, a colleague, a boss to many but to me he was my uncle Colin, always on the wind-up. He loved his trips away with Scotland and luckily I got to share a few with him just sadly this was his last. This trip will be memorable for everyone but for different reasons."
Other Scottish fans reacted swiftly to express their condolences for their comrade following the sad event, with several sharing their personal memories of Mr King. Hugh Paton contributed: "My sincere condolences to Colin's family."
"I'm sitting here having breakfast before travelling through to Cologne and devastated and very much in disbelief hearing this sad news. Colin was a work colleague and friend for many years and one of the genuine good guys... RIP mate."
Andrea Maxwell-McMaster said: "Absolutely heartbreaking news R.I.P Colin King you are all in our heart and thoughts."
Stephen Lawn expressed his sorrow saying: "So sorry to hear, especially during what should have been an escape from bad times and bad news - tragic news, condolences to you, friends and the family."
Chris Johnston reflected: "Colin you were a 'classic' rest easy mate. If we learn anything today it should be that life is never a guarantee. Appreciate the ones that are still here as you just never know when it becomes time up."
Richard Palmer shared his parting memory: "He will be missed a wonderful guy my parting memory knocking on the train window as we left Munich for Stuttgart early on Saturday morning RIP Colin."
Meanwhile, Tom Johnstone commented, "So very sorry to hear this tragic news and it surely highlights that life is short and you have to enjoy every minute which appears Colin did."
"RIP young man and continue to sing 'Flower of Scotland' with other members of the Tartan Army based in Heaven." And Anne Marie Kenneth expressed her sympathies: "Sorry to hear. It's a shock for you all because of the timing too.
"Always a sadness. He had been with his favourite folk and in the midst of having fun. Looks as if you've all had a great time together over the years supporting Scotland. Great memories made and good friendships. Lots of love to you and the family."
