A BRITISH dad has died after being struck on the head with a vodka bottle while on a stag do in Prague.
David Richards, 31, tragically died in hospital on Saturday after the “blind attack” in the Czech capital’s streets the night before.
David ‘Dai’ Richards with his partner Jola SimmsWALES NEWS SERVICE
David, a father of three, tragically died over the weekendWALES NEWS SERVICE
David sadly leaves behind three kidsWALES NEWS SERVICE
A father of three from Wales, David’s family have said his provisional cause of death was blunt force trauma after being struck on the back of his head, Wales Online reported.
His devastated family have been left to remember him as “an absolutely amazing father, partner, son, brother, and friend”.
David, nicknamed Dai, was dad to three young kids – Aurora, four, Bear, two, and Vienna one.
David’s sister-in-law Tammy Sheehan, cousin Gemma Thomas and partner Jola Simms revealed he had returned from a family holiday on Thursday, then jetting to Prague on Friday for a pal’s stag do.
By 10pm that night, Jola and Gemma both received a horror call from David’s friend Nathan, who informed them he was in a critical condition.
Family members flew into Prague, hoping David would regain consciousness.
But by Saturday afternoon the heartbreaking decision was made to switch off life support machines.
Family members have insisted he wasn’t in a brawl but rather fell victim to a blind attack.
They said: “David was talking to locals in the street when he took a blow to the back of the head.”
A French witness was said to have given first aid on the scene to no avail.
Family described the Czech authorities as “abrupt” and “blunt”, which they said made the horror experience even worse.
A devastating family tribute said he was the “glue of the family”.
It said: “We would describe David as having the heart of a lion.
“He was an extremely family-orientated person. He was the fun one – he always brought the energy.
“He was an absolutely amazing father, partner, son, brother, and friend. There isn’t a bad word to be said about him.”
A fundraiser has been established to help Jola, who now faces the challenge of being a single mother of three.
COPS MAKE ARREST
Czech media have reported a 26-year-old man – also a tourist – was arrested outside a hotel after the incident. His nationality remains unclear.
According to Prague Morning, a local English-language outlet, police said the men were part of separate groups who began to argue.
Police spokesman Jan Daněk was quoted as saying: “One individual struck another in the head with a vodka bottle.
“The impact was so severe that the victim collapsed immediately and tragically died in the hospital.
“The 26-year-old man is now facing charges of grievous bodily harm and disorderly conduct.
“If convicted he could be sentenced to up to 16 years in prison.”
FOOTBALL CLUB’S HEARTBREAK
AFC Abercynon, where David played football, issued their own heart-wrenching statement.
It said: “The world has lost a good man – a father, a son, and a brother.
“This is a loss for all of us but the grief and sorrow that you as a family must feel are the deepest and most poignant and personal.
“Dai touched the lives of many involved at our club and we are devastated at this terrible loss.
“As a club we are here for any support you need and we are all thinking of you at this sad time. Rest in peace Dai.”