Dave Aspery, 63, from Ingleby Barwick, was described by his family as “fit and healthy” and showed no signs of heart disease.

He died at home on September 16, 2025, after a heart attack caused by asymptomatic ischaemic heart disease, which can go undetected even in very fit people.

His daughter, Phoebe Aspery, 35, a health and strength coach, said: "My dad was super fit, super healthy, he trained like an athlete, had the cleanest diet, and was the kindest man.

"He always looked at the positives in life, and nothing was ever an issue.

"If anyone ever needed help, my dad would be there regardless of who you are."

Mr Aspery worked in physically demanding roles with the Navy, Fire Brigade and Mine Rescue teams, and was trained in CPR and defibrillator use.

On the day of his death, he began feeling unwell while travelling home from work.

Ms Aspery said: "My mum spoke to him at about five o’clock and he said he was doing overtime at work, and he’d be home at six and was completely fine.

"They were having a laugh on the phone.

"He was driving home with a colleague, because they car share, and halfway home he became really unwell, and my dad was never ill, so he pulled over and asked his colleague to drive.

"I know the decision to pull the car over ultimately saved his colleague’s life.

"Even in that moment, I know he did it intentionally, because that’s who he was."

After arriving home, Mr Aspery ran into the house and asked his family to call for a defibrillator and an ambulance before collapsing.

Ms Aspery said: "I’d finished my work session, walked out of the gym and saw my dad sat on the floor clutching his chest.

"My mum was sat with him, she said your dad’s really unwell.

"I knew the symptoms were that of a heart attack and I went into shock and panicked.

"My dad told me to calm down and go and find a defib and my brother."

Emergency services were called, and CPR was started by his wife before a friend assisted with a defibrillator.

The North East Ambulance Service and Great North Air Ambulance Service attended, but Mr Aspery could not be saved.

Ms Aspery said: "Once the air ambulance team arrived, you just felt their presence in the room and they took control.

"They were so professional, kind and compassionate.

"They worked on him for 40 minutes, but they couldn’t save him.

"Dad died in my mum’s arms, with me, my brother Cam, and our dog Rupert beside him."

About 300 people attended Mr Aspery’s funeral, where his family asked for donations to the Great North Air Ambulance instead of flowers.

Ms Aspery said: "He is an amazing person.

"His loss has left our family in shock, but also the entire community, along with colleagues past and present.

"It’s not something you ever expect to happen to somebody so fit and healthy."

She is now working with Heart Research UK to raise awareness of asymptomatic heart disease, especially among people who appear healthy.

She said: "Asymptomatic ischaemic heart disease was not something our family were aware of.

"I’ve been trying to raise awareness by speaking at events, online and to the people I work with about the importance of heart health, especially in midlife.

"Saving even one person’s life is the goal.

"If I can prevent other families from experiencing the pain of losing a loved one, and the grief and trauma that comes with it, then my dad’s legacy lives on."