The girlfriend of a Brit killed in a cliff jumping accident while on holiday in Portugal has paid tribute to the 'love of my life.'
Well-wishers have raised nearly £20,000 and tributes have poured in after the tragedy unfolded on Friday.
Andy Kerr had flown out to Portugal with his model girlfriend Karolina Markevica, from Latvia, as soon as travel restrictions had allowed, the Daily Record reports.
Karolina said Andy had died “in a cliff jumping accident” and added: “Andy was the love of my life, best friend, my rock.
“Andy dedicated his life to helping and motivating others to achieve their best, to improve their lifestyle, to become successful. Charming, independent, energetic and compassionate, Andy was and will be our mentor, who could have changed the world with just an idea.”
A final poignant posting on Facebook was made four days earlier after enjoying a family night out at Ingliston Country Club in Bishopton.
He published a photo with his mum Jane, saying: “Me n mum. Love ya xxx.”
Jane Kerr’s reply said: “Love you back more than you will ever ever know.”
A spokesman for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: “We are supporting the family of a British man who has died in Portugal.
“Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Karolina has since launched an appeal to help with costs of the funeral and repatriation which has so far raised nearly £20,000.
Andy, from Paisley, was a regular at Pro-Life Fitness Centre gym and had been speaking about his excitement at flying out to Portugal.
The gym has gone on to donate £500 to the appeal and paid tribute to him by saying: “We are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of our long-term member and friend Andy Kerr, following an accident on holiday in Portugal.
"Andy was a regular user of the gym, a very fit young man who will be remembered for his boundless energy in the gym.
“He was very well liked by members of all ages in the gym and his passing has saddened many gym members over the weekend.
“Our last memory of Andy was in Life Kitchen, our in-house cafe, where he was talking excitedly about his forthcoming holiday.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Andy’s family and we hope our donation will go some way to making things easier for his family in getting him home.”
Friends online have remembered him as being full of talent and kindness, and someone who knew how to make people laugh.
Paula Holding made a donation to “a lovely young man” who had helped her and her children.
She said: “I still can’t believe this is real. All my love and thoughts with everyone who loves you, especially your family.”
The appeal can be viewed on the dedicated GoFundMe page.
