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Glasgow Live
Glasgow Live
National
Keiran Fleming

Heartbroken family pay tribute to 'loveable' Airdrie dad-of-two after sudden death

The family of an Airdrie dad-of-two who died suddenly have spoken of their grief and shock at his untimely passing.

Stephen McCluskey, was a wedding singer known for his exceptional voice, and loved by members of the community.

The 43-year-old was booked to play radio presenter and wrestling star Grado's wedding, and was preparing late Monday night going into the early hours of Tuesday, June 6, before the big event.

The loving dad-of-two walked upstairs to complain to his fiancee Kirsty - who he had just proposed to last August - that he was feeling faint.

READ MORE: Tributes paid to ex-Hamilton Accies director after 'unexpected death'

Stephen collapsed before making it to bed and sadly passed away leaving behind daughter, Evie, 15, and son, Ezra, six.

It was later found that Stephen had a cardiac event due to an undiagnosed enlarged heart. Medical professionals are carrying out further testing as the wedding singer lead a healthy lifestyle.

The grief-stricken family are still coming to terms with the loss of their beloved sibling, partner, son and dad.

Younger brother Liam remembers the moment he was told the tragic news as if it was yesterday.

He told Glasgow Live: "I've got two young kids so normally I'm up early with one of them in the middle of the night.

"I had a few missed calls at 3:33am from my oldest brother and my second oldest brother. Initially I thought it was something to do with my mum or her partner.

Liam and Stephen (supplied)

"When I phoned back I was told Stephen had passed away, I will never forget those words. Everyday I can hear my brother Peter telling me that Stephen passed away.

"The shock immediately kicked in and I was on auto-pilot until the Saturday after the funeral when reality kicked in.

"On Saturday morning when I woke up everything was gone, life had changed."

Stephen was known for his caring nature and willingness to help those in need. The dad-of-two would always look to put smiles on faces and adored sitting down to watch a movie with his two children and a cup of tea in hand..

Even during the funeral, the singer's final song was played and it truly encapsulated his talent and brilliant sense of humour.

Stephen with his two children (supplied)

The grieving brother said: "He was an entertainer.

"If you asked anyone who knew him, he lit up the room. He'd pick the guitar up and put a smile on your face. His cheesy motto was 'I'm kind of a big deal!' and it would make us laugh.

"He was a genuine, loveable person. I have never heard someone say something negative about him.

"Him and his partner did a lot of charity work in the local village. He was always looking to help where he could and refused to take any money for it at all.

Stephen was a well-known wedding singer (supplied)

"Stephen took pleasure in giving back. He was one of those guys that you'd feel lucky to spend time with."

Liam has set up a GoFundMe to help the family cope with the massive hole left behind by Stephen. The 43-year-old's fiancée and brothers, Liam, Peter, Martin, Paul and Gerard, have been blown away by the support shown by the public, with over £11,000 raised, and believe it truly shows the number of lives the Airdrie wedding singer has touched.

Liam explained: "The way I am coping with the grief is helping Stephen's family as much as I can.

Stephen alongside his five other brothers (supplied)

"My brother went out his way to help so many people, now I think there are people who want to help his family. After three days we raised £5,000 and that just showed how many people knew him and loved him.

"However, his loss leaves a hole that will never be replace. It is something I will never get over but it is about how I cope with life after this."

The 43-year-old was a beloved member of the community (supplied)

Although Stephen's life was cruelly taken away at such a young age, his brother is adamant that he will never be forgotten.

He said: "His legacy will live on through his kids and in the hearts and minds of those he helped."

To donate to the GoFundMe click here

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