'A devastating loss': tributes to Christchurch firefighter who died after falling ill on duty

TRIBUTES have been paid to a “professional and skilled” long-serving firefighter who died suddenly after being taken ill while on duty at Christchurch station.

Simon Kaye (53) was rushed to Royal Bournemouth Hospital on the morning of Easter Monday, but efforts to resuscitate him were unsuccessful and he died later that day.

Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service (DWFRS) has said his death is not believed to have been related to the coronavirus pandemic.

Speaking on Monday evening, chief fire officer Ben Ansell said: “This morning, firefighter Simon Kaye was taken ill during a routine day shift at Christchurch fire station.

“Despite valiant attempts by his colleagues, paramedics, doctors and nurses at The Royal Bournemouth Hospital, Mr Kaye sadly passed away.

“Our thoughts at this very sad time are with Simon’s family and friends and with his colleagues who were with him at the time he was taken ill.

“We do not believe Simon’s death is related to the coronavirus outbreak.”

Flowers were left outside Christchurch fire station and flags were flown at half-mast at stations and workplaces across the DWFRS region. Colleagues were left shocked by what Mr Ansell described as a “devastating loss for us all”.

A firefighter for more than 30 years, Mr Kaye had worked at stations across the region and previously served in West Yorkshire.

Mr Ansell said: “I personally worked closely with Simon for a number of years and know he was an experienced, professional and skilled firefighter who was highly regarded by his colleagues.

"His passing is a huge loss to us all and my thoughts and deepest condolences go out to his partner and family.”

The chief also praised Mr Kaye’s Christchurch colleagues who were with him when he became ill, as well as others in the emergency services and the NHS who battled to save his life.

Mr Kaye’s grieving colleagues added their own tribute to him in a post on the Christchurch fire station Twitter account.

“Such a tragic day for Christchurch. Simon, your laughter and smile will be missed by all,” the tweet said.

“Such an amazing person, a loss to us all. Rest in peace.”

Respects were also paid on social media by representatives of other fire and rescue services, as well as by the police.

A tweet by Christchurch Police UK said: “We are saddened to hear of the death of the passing of one of our 999 colleagues.

“Our thoughts are with his family, colleagues and friends at this sad time. RIP Simon.”