A MAN who died after getting into difficulty in the sea in Brighton was a “loved” and “highly intelligent” father, his friend has said.
The coastguard was alerted to a person in the water near Brighton Palace Pier at 5.40pm on Friday.
Today, a close friend confirmed that 30-year-old Birol Gundogdu was taken to the Royal Sussex County Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
In a touching tribute, his friends said: “We are shocked and saddened by hearing that our esteemed friend Mr Birol Gündoğdu has tragically passed away by drowning in the sea in Brighton.
“He has left behind his wife and a little baby.”
Friends of Birol, who was studying for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Sussex, have set up a fundraiser to raise money for his wife and young daughter who live in Turkey.
Due to coronavirus travel restrictions, Birol’s family cannot travel to the UK because the country remains on the “red list” of countries that should not be visited.
A message written on the GoFundMe page said: “[His family] are not only suffering from this sudden and tragic loss but facing financial difficulties.
“You are invited to contribute to the fundraising activity to support the family.
"Your kind contribution will be very much appreciated. Please donate generously."
Despite being set up less than a day ago, the fundraiser remembering Birol has raised more than £23,000.
A friend, who did not want to be named, said he had been “overwhelmed” by the generosity of people who have donated.
He said: “It really shows how generous and kind people can be, especially during what has been such a devastating time because of coronavirus.
“Lots of people have lost someone or gone through something similar so they know how it feels.
“There are people from all different ethnic backgrounds who have donated. I can see Turkish names, English names and Arabic names.”
He added that he will remember Birol as a “highly intelligent” man who was “loved by many”.
To donate to the fundraiser, visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/BIROL-GUNDOGDU
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