Parents thank Sidmothians for tributes to son
Jonathan Hayman, who died of a sudden heart attack in Sweden earlier this month. - Credit: Archant
The parents of Sidmouth man who died of a heart attack in Sweden said they have been ‘overwhelmed’ by the tributes to their ‘beloved’ son.
Jonathan Hayman, 27, died ‘suddenly and tragically’ at his home for the past four years on January 3.
His mother and father said they would like to thank everyone for their messages of support at the loss of the man they said they ‘were proud to call their son’.
Marion and Robert Hayman said: “Jonathan was fun-loving and full of life but at the same time compassionate and sensitive.
“He cared about people and struck up good positive relationships with all he met. “Jonathan has obviously touched the hearts of so many people in all walks of his life.
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He was born in Sidmouth, and grew up waterskiing with his family on the beach, as well as competing in motorcross racing from an early age.
After leaving school aged 16 for an engineering apprenticeship at Howmets in Exeter, he worked there until the age of 23 before deciding to start a new life in Sweden.
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He was engaged to 27-year-old Hannah Åkerblom, and worked on maintenance for her father’s business, as well as enjoying playing golf in the summer and riding his snowmobile in the winter.
Marion and Robert said he supported his fiancée in a ‘big way’, as she took part in horse riding competitions all over Sweden.
They said he was an adored and much-loved partner to Hannah, an amazing brother to his sister Phillipa, adding: “We are so proud to be able to call him our son.”
The couple said they have been overwhelmed by the tributes people have made since his death earlier this month, and thanked everyone for their kind words.
A church service for Jonathan will be held on Monday, at 2pm at Sidmouth Parish Church, ahead of a private family cremation the following day.
His family say donations can be made to the British Heart Foundation.
