Tributes paid to ‘fireworks’ 33-year-old who died after collapsing at the gym

Devastated family and friends have paid tribute to a Hartlepool-born boy who died suddenly aged 33 after collapsing in the gym.

Dan Cook left Hartlepool in 2010 for London to pursue a career in music. However, he came into contact with the rich and famous after joining an aviation company and working his way up to become sales director of Victor Aviation.

Dan’s body will be flown to the North East in a Legacy 650 private jet with his immediate family and best friend on board in time for his funeral on Thursday, June 6 at 3pm at Stockton Crematorium.

A funding page to raise almost £20,000 towards the cost of the flight has already received donations of more than £11,500. The family of the former High Tunstall Comprehensive School pupil said Dan was gifted and talented in everything he did and his great passion was music.

His heartbroken mother, Lesley Perkins, said: “My boy was a firecracker and I want these last few days to be amazing.” She said Dan excelled both academically and in sporting activities at school, playing rugby for West Hartlepool Rugby Club, up to Durham County level.

After sixth form he decided to postpone his university studies and travel the world, heading to Asia with his close group of friends and then to Australia for Christmas Day on Bondi Beach, where he FaceTimed his family.

Lesley said Dan left Hartlepool in 2010 to go to London to study music at Westminster University and follow his dreams of becoming a pop star. She said Dan was lucky enough to be signed by a record label in 2012 and spent the next two years working with some of the biggest emerging names in the music industry, including George Ezra and Paolo Nutini.

But Lesley said: “Things didn’t quite go to plan and Dan found himself reconsidering his career options to allow him to stay in London with his partner Emma, ​​who he met on his first day at university in London. ” It was then that Dan joined Victor Aviation in a junior sales role, where he came into contact with the rich and famous and quickly worked his way up to director of sales and director of the company’s new office in Abu Dhabi. .

Dan died on May 15 after collapsing in the gym, but the cause of death has not yet been determined. Lesley said: “As a family we have found that Dan has left a huge legacy in his workplace with his caring leadership qualities and highly motivating approach to all situations.

“Dan’s fiancée, and we as a family, along with friends, are deeply devastated by Dan’s very sudden death and are trying to somehow find comfort in all the positive and powerful ways in which Dan touched the lives of so many people to have influenced. and the praise of so many, both personally and professionally, has made our hearts swell beyond measure.”

A statement from Victor Aviation said of Dan: “In addition to being a business leader, he was a valued mentor and friend to many within our company and across the industry. Our sincere condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.” difficult time.

“Dan’s passing was very sudden and has sent a deep shockwave through the Victor team. As we mourn his loss, we will cherish the countless memories he leaves behind – including his caring leadership style, highly motivating team building sessions and his razor-sharp humor – all of this helped shape an incredible team culture that lives on in his name. Dan, we all miss you dearly, but we will carry on your legacy and do our utmost to make you proud.”