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Scot James was on holiday in Turkey when he was allegedly attacked earlier this month
A Welsh rugby player has died after allegedly being attacked in Turkey.
Scot James, who played for Maesteg Celtic RFC, was left brain dead after what his family have described as an assault while on holiday earlier this month. Having been brought back to the UK last Friday, the 34-year-old passed away on Sunday with his family by his side.
On social media, tributes were paid to a “loving father, son, grandson and partner”, with Scot described as an “all-round loveable man”.
A GoFundMe was initially set up to raise money for the family as they extended their stay in Turkey to remain with Scot.
“Peacefully yesterday with all his loved ones around him my beloved brother Scot passed away,” wrote his sister Hannah in an update on the GoFundMe page.
“Scot was sadly declared brain dead in Turkey on Saturday 11th July 2026. For 13 days Scot’s family stayed in Turkey to be at Scot’s side as Scot was still on life support as the laws in Turkey are different to ours and they won’t just switch the life support off.
“On Friday 24th July Scot was flown home via air ambulance to the UK with my mother by his side where he was taken to ICU in The Royal Glamorgan hospital. We as a family got to spend and cherish his last few days with Scot and be by his bedside.
“But sadly yesterday afternoon 26/07 Scot decided it was his time to go and us as a family was there to hold his hand while his life support was turned off and while he sadly passed away.
“I’m giving you this update as initially this was set up to help cover the cost of the family staying out in Turkey etc. But as I’ve explained the circumstance’s have changed and now Scot have passed away.
“So I’m giving this one final push now with this sad news as we was all hoping that the outcome would have been different, but sadly our Scot have passed away due to him having seizures in which it left him brain dead due to his injuries.”
The Foreign Office have confirmed they are working with local authorities following Scot’s death.
An FCDO spokesperson said: “We are supporting the family of a British national who died following an incident in Turkey and are in contact with the local authorities”.
His local rugby club, which hosted a football tournament to raise funds in recent weeks, paid tribute to Scot on social media.
“We are deeply saddened to share the heart-breaking news that our former player, Scot James, sadly passed away yesterday,” said Maesteg Celtics RFC on Facebook.
“Everyone at the club is devastated by this news, and our thoughts go out to his family and friends at this difficult time.
“Scot will be remembered as an outstanding player and a great character and friend by everyone who had the pleasure of sharing the field with him.”
