Tributes have been paid to a tragic Arbroath father who has died in Wales at the age of just 22.
David John Mayes, 22, who had lived with epilepsy from the age of 13, lived in Arbroath until around five years ago when he moved to South Wales.
He was described as his girlfriend Mair’s “soulmate”.
He was a keen Arbroath FC fan and a spokesman for the club said: “We have been left in shock of the tragic news that Arbroath fan David Mayes has passed away at the age of 22.
“David was a Lichtie after growing up in Scotland and attending matches at Gayfield before moving to South Wales five years ago where he followed Swansea City.
“David has always kept up with the results of Arbroath and was normally one of the first supporters to like our Facebook posts.
“David was always making people laugh and always made people smile and was Mair’s soulmate.
“A huge football fan, he would watch any game but loved Arbroath, Swansea City and Arsenal and Scotland – David was proud to be Scottish.
“Everyone at Arbroath FC is sending their thoughts and condolences to David’s family, especially brother Rob, girlfriend Mair and his daughter Sophie Leigh.”
David’s girlfriend Mair Reynolds described him as a “lovely, caring, down-to-earth, loving, generous guy” who had his whole life ahead of him before his death on Mother’s Day.
She met him at Neath College when they were studying together and the couple’s daughter Sophie Leigh Mayes is just two.
“Everyone is going to miss his jokes and how much he made people laugh,” she said.
“He always made me laugh and cheered me up even when I was down.
“He always knew how to put a smile on my face. He always did fight for our relationship.
“He truly did love me and I did too. He was my soul mate – we were going to spend the rest of our lives together.
“David tried all he could but the epilepsy won this time. It’s such a horrible illness to have. Unlucky for David he was one of those that suffered bad from them.”
David followed Swansea when he moved to South Wales and tributes have poured in from fans and former players.
A spokesman at the club said: “Everyone at Swansea City is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of loyal fan David Mayes. We extend our condolences to his family and friends at this extremely difficult time.
“Swansea City is a close-knit club, and everyone at the club feels the loss deeply when a member of our own Swans family is taken away from us.”
Swansea vs Brentford
In the 22nd minute let’s do a minutes applause for the sad passing of David Mayes.
He followed the Swans everywhere and has sadly left the world with his wife and young child unfortunately hearing the news.
— Rhys (@SCFC_Rhys) April 1, 2019
