BANGKOK, THAILAND – A 23-year-old British man died three weeks after a serious motorcycle accident during a holiday trip in Southeast Asia, as his family faced soaring medical costs and prepared to donate his organs.
Birthday trip ends in fatal crash
The 23-year-old Tiger Duggan had been travelling in January with a friend to celebrate his birthday when he fell from his motorcycle while overtaking a car and suffered severe head injuries. He was admitted to a hospital after the crash and initially received medical treatment on the island of Koh Samui before being transferred to Bangkok due to the seriousness of his condition.
Three-week fight for life in Bangkok
In the capital, Duggan received intensive care but remained in a coma for three weeks before dying from his head injuries. His family said their “beautiful son” died in his mother’s arms and described the period since the crash as an “absolute nightmare of the last 19 days”.
“Our beautiful son died in his mother’s arms; it has been a nightmare of the last 19 days.”
said Lisa Duggan, his mother.
Family at his bedside and mounting bills
His mother Lisa, a neonatal nurse from Milton Keynes, travelled to Bangkok immediately after the accident with her husband Kieron and Tiger’s brother River to keep vigil at his bedside. According to the family, hospital and transport costs reached more than £120,000 within nine days and eventually rose significantly above that amount.
Online donations and criticism of support
An online GoFundMe campaign raised more than £200,000, with the family expressing thanks for prayers, messages and donations and describing the widespread support as an enormous help in this period.
“We are deeply grateful for every prayer, message and donation; the support has been an enormous pillar of strength for us.”
said Lisa Duggan, in a public statement. At the same time, she said his travel company refused to cover the costs and that the British government responded only with a general email containing links to advisory pages.
Organs to be donated as final gift
In their public message of thanks, the family highlighted that Tiger Duggan’s organs would be donated after his death and could potentially save the lives of three or four people.
“Knowing that Tiger’s organs may save three or four other lives is a small light in this darkness, and we are overwhelmed by the compassion shown to us.”
said Lisa Duggan, adding that she felt profound gratitude toward all those who had supported the family in this exceptional situation.