The man who died in the BRI over the weekend, following a positive test for coronavirus has been named locally as Nick Matthews.
Fifty-nine-year-old Nick, who had underlying health issues, passed away in the hospital in the early hours of Saturday morning shortlyafter returning from a holiday in the Canary Islands.
The Nailsea father-of-two had tested positive for COVID-19 and his wife has shared his picture with a local Facebook page in the hope people may recognise him, know if they have been in recent contact with him, and choose to self-isolate.
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His wife Mary, speaking to Nailsea People , said: “People who may have come into contact with either Nick or me during the past two weeks need to self-isolate and get advice.
“Although he tested positive, until a post-mortem examination, we can't say that was cause of death at the moment.
“I don't want to panic people, but I do want people to take extra precautions.”
Mary and Nick had recently returned from a holiday in Fuerteventura, reports Nailsea People.
The Canary Islands on Friday, March 13, had recorded 63 active cases of coronavirus.
Nick went into hospital by ambulance on Thursday night suffering from breathing difficulties and was diagnosed with pneumonia. According to his wife the couple had no known contact with anyone with coronavirus.
Former police officer Nick had been part of Clevedon CIFD before taking early retirement for health reasons 10 years ago.
His wife Mary shared on Facebook on Saturday: "Today at 3am I lost my life partner and soul mate but most of all my best friend.
"Together with our children Charlotte and Ben we are beyond proud to have had such a big character in our lives.
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"As a family we are currently in isolation…I know some of you would like to visit, but please for you and your family’s safety, stay away until we get the all clear."
Mr Matthew's death is the first in the Bristol area. The latest figures from Public Health England show Bristol has four cases and South Gloucestershire has two also this number will likely change in the next 24 hours.
There are 1140 known cases of coronavirus in the UK and 21 deaths.
