A father-of-four tragically drowned after jumping from a high-end Caribbean cruise ship on Boxing Day, despite his family’s desperate attempts to save him.
Dan McGilvray, 51, a financial advisor from Broomfield, Colorado, overpowered family members, including his 75-year-old mother Gerda McGilvray, before leaping from the Norwegian Epic. Authorities in the Bahamas suspect he may have had an adverse reaction to seizure medication.
MailOnline reports that sources claim McGilvray awoke at about 3pm on December 26, shouting: “I can’t take it anymore.”
The senior wealth advisor hit a lifeboat as he fell and was lost beneath the waves. The £1bn cruise ship halted its voyage for a day to conduct searches.
However, the vessel was later rerouted to Nassau after the Royal Bahamas Police Force declared the search efforts unsuccessful, reports the Mirror.
The Norwegian Epic cruise ship
(Image: UGC)
The police reported: “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.”
Join the Daily Record’s WhatsApp community hereand get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
A GoFundMe page has been set up to support the McGilvray family after 51 year old Dan McGilvray’s sudden death. It has already amassed a heartening $29,000 (£23,000).
McGilvray with his family
(Image: Gofundme)
The fundraiser description shares: “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.”
“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 from Norwegian Cruise Line said: “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.”
Don’t miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond – Sign up to our daily newsletter here.