A “KIND and lovely” scaffolder passed away in the arms of his mother and girlfriend only a few weeks after a freak trampoline accident.
Rob Harcourt, a resident of Stockton-on-Tees in County Durham, dislocated his neck last month while falling into a trampoline and tragically passed away. His family has paid a sorrowful tribute to him.
The 37-year-spine old’s was kinked during the horrifying fall in his friend’s garden, leaving him paralysed from the chest down.
The worker was unable to breathe on his own and required constant care after a series of operations.
His neck was tragically irreparably damaged, and doctors worried that he might also have brain damage. Last week, they broke the heartbreaking news that he would never be the same.
In the presence of friends and family, he passed away today in a hospice.
The “great” man stumbled and fell onto a trampoline at his friend’s house, which drastically altered his life.
He was taken to the hospital right away, where he later had a heart arrest and doctors discovered fluid and swelling on his brain.
Rob was fortunate to spend his final moments with his family, but sadly, his life could not be saved.
Together with Rob’s partner Jade Higgins, his mother Jackie Graves announced his passing today.
Rob, who was smart, witty, compassionate, and gorgeous, died in her and Jade’s arms, she revealed in a heartbreaking update.
Jimmy held his hand while he was with us. Brokenhearted doesn’t begin to describe how we are feeling right now.
Numerous family members and friends shared heartfelt tributes to Rob on social media.
The 37-year-old was a “popular guy and terrific friend,” according to his mother, who also referred to him as a “good man.”
One commentator went so far as to call him a “wholesome spirit” and a “great guy, a pillar for the Grove Hill community.”
A GoFundMe page was set up following the accident to support Rob’s recovery and family – now it has rocketed to over £9,000 from nearly 400 donors.
Before today’s latest development, Rob’s mum had previously said: “Because of the GoFundMe and the generosity of everybody, Jade has been able to focus on what she needs to do to get through each day.
“[She does not] have to worry about where the money for the rent is coming or money for the electric.
“It’s given her a little bit of breathing room to be able to focus on what she needs to do to be there for Rob and support herself and get herself through it.”
Other comments on the GoFundMe page read were heartbroken at the news of his death.
One wrote: “l hope the angels are holding you all tight, now and forever. xx”
Even if they were unaware of Rob, some were crushed by the news.
Unknown wrote: “I deeply understand the effects of unexpectedly losing a partner and the father of my children. I’m sending you all a lot of love and courage. What a tragic tale!”
Another person stated: “I was really heartbroken to hear this! I’m thinking of my loved ones! ROB, R.I.P.”
A third person said: “The news report on this incident makes me really sad. It’s incredibly tragic. I hope the knowledge that so many people are concerned about you brings you some solace.”
