Groom Dies On Thai Honeymoon

Jan 6 2008 By Charlotte Thomson

A GROOM died during his honeymoon on a paradise island.

Ian Hay, 54, fell ill three days before the end of the holiday with his bride in Phuket, Thailand.

Ian, an oil industry manager from Aberdeen, was rushed to Patong Hospital after his Ethiopian-born wife Rahel, 29, found him ill in their hotel bedroom. But the dad-of-two was dead on arrival.

Rahel, known as Mimi, arrived in Scotland from their home in Dubai yesterday to prepare for his funeral on Tuesday. The tragedy happened on December 20.

Her aunt, Emebet, said: "Getting married was their dream come true.

"They had been enjoying a glorious honeymoon.

"Ian woke at 5.30am feeling unwell and Rahel was going to call a doctor but he said he would be fine.

However, he became worse shortly after and lost consciousness. That's when Rahel called for help."

The couple met two years ago and married in Dubai's Holy Trinity Church, followed by a reception in the Creek and Yacht club.

Ian had two sons, Calum, 17, and Cameron, 14, with former wife Gillian. They live in Inverurie, Aberdeenshire.

Best man and pro golfer Simon Payne said: "Rahel is being strong and trying to come to terms with her grief.

But she is heartbroken." Ian's dad, Jack, 85, said: "I still can't believe this has happened. They were due to come home in March for a family wedding.

"We were all looking forward to that. It's so sad."

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