Scuba diving instructor, 38, who moved to Mexico from Wales to start a new life dies in motorbike accident after ‘losing control and crashing into pole’

• Father-of-one Bleddyn James crashed motorbike on tropical island of Cozumel 
• Was taken to hospital in an ambulance after ‘freak accident’ but died of injuries
• Mr James’ brother, Neil, paid tribute to the ‘kind-hearted and true gentleman’ 

A scuba diving instructor who moved to Mexico from Wales to start a new life has died in a motorcycle accident after losing control and hitting into a pole.

Bleddyn James, 38, was driving his motorbike on the tropical island of Cozumel last Thursday when he skidded and crashed at around 7.30pm, according to local news reports.

The father-of-one, who had been running diving trips in the Caribbean for the past two years, was taken to hospital in an ambulance but died of his injuries.

Bleddyn James, 38, pictured with his son, Kai, was driving his motorbike on the tropical island of Cozumel last Thursday when he skidded and crashed at around 7.30pm

The ‘freak accident’ happened near the ruins of a Mayan temple called San Gervasio on the north of Cozumel, which is mainly undeveloped and renowned for its diving spots.

Mr James’ brother, Neil, paid tribute to the ‘kind-hearted and true gentleman’, who was known as Bledd.

Speaking from his home in Trimsaran, near Llanelli, South Wales, he said: ‘It feels like half of me has gone. Bledd definitely had a happy life in Mexico.

‘He used to be fearful of the ocean but had conquered that to become a scuba diving instructor, and had definitely found a happy place.

‘He was living in the jungle, and he loved his only son Kai very much, he was a proper family man.

‘They would go diving together and do motor cross. He was a real character, who loved travel and enjoyed going out.’

The father-of-one, who had been running diving trips in the Caribbean for the past two years, was taken to hospital in an ambulance but died of his injuries

Mr James’ family are trying to raise money so they can attend a cremation service and repatriate his body.

On a fundraising page Mr James was described as ‘the life and soul of any party.

On a fundraising page Mr James was described as ‘the life and soul of any party’

The description added: ‘Sadly when doing what he enjoyed he was involved in a freak accident and unfortunately fell asleep instantly.

‘Bledd was as many know, living his new found happy life in Mexico, there he qualified as a diving instructor.

‘Bledd was a family man and his only son Kai is devastated by the news, as well as his parents’ brothers and extended family.

‘Bledd was in Mexico when he fell asleep and grew his wings.’

The family have so far raised more than £7,000 and are trying to arrange flights to Mexico after the tragedy.

Neil added: ‘There has been a huge response to the fundraising already, and it has passed its initial target, which I think shows the high regard that Bledd was held in.

‘But any excess will be put into a trust for Kai. If he wants to follow his father’s dream of diving he can, but it is his decision.

‘It is about creating a memorial for Bledd’. 

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