Tributes paid as father-of-three dies at gym in Wolverhampton

Jason O'Connor, 50, died at the Foundry Gym on Cooper Street on Tuesday.

Police officers and paramedics were at the scene, just off the A41 Bilston Road in Monmore Green, for several hours after being called at 4.30pm on Tuesday.

Jason's death is said to be "no way related" to the gym or its equipment and police are not investigating. The gym was open as normal on Wednesday morning.

Tributes have since been pouring in for the cavity wall installer who lived near the train station in Horseley Fields.

Oscar O'Connor, one of Jason's three sons, said: "Never thought I would be writing this. Yesterday I lost my best mate. You was always there for me and always made me laugh. I love you dad! Rest easy I’ll see you soon."

Meanwhile niece Danielle McDowell said: "Rest peacefully my Big Uncle Jason. My heart is broken.

"You really were one of a kind. The funniest, most eccentric man I knew. We didn’t always see eye to eye and disagreed on most things but you always were my favourite, unstoppable, strong, crazy uncle and I will forever be grateful to all of the things you have done for me since the day I was born.

"I will cherish every single memory. I’ll never be able to listen to Metallica- enter sandman or the Prodigy without smiling and shedding a tear...

"You always made me feel safe, loved, and I will never ever forget you."

A spokesman for the gym thanked members of the public and customers for helping Jason and said they would be helping raise money once they had permission from his family.

They wrote on Facebook: "It is with great sadness that we announce tonight the passing of one of our own, PLEASE NOTE This is in no way related to the gym itself, our equipment or facilities.

"As you can imagine this has been extremely upsetting for everyone on the premises at the time but we owe a huge amount of respect to all the members and staff who rushed to assist the man, we are all truly grateful for all you did.

"We will be raising funds towards his funeral costs at some point this week once we have confirmed its ok to do so with the family."

Tributes have also been paid by fellow customers of the gym.

One gym goer said: "Was heartbreaking to see, knocked me sick and it’s all I’ve thought about since.

"Everyone who helped did a fantastic job and you should all be very proud of yourselves."

Foundry Gym has seven branches across the Black Country, Staffordshire and Telford which are open 24/7.

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesman said: "We were called to reports of a medical emergency at a gym on Cooper Street, Wolverhampton at 4.32pm. Two ambulances, a paramedic officer and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Cosford attended the scene.

"On arrival we discovered one patient, a man, who was in a critical condition and already receiving treatment from bystanders.

"Ambulance staff took over and administered advanced life support but sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, it became apparent nothing could be done to save the man and he was confirmed dead at the scene."

West Midlands Police declined to comment.