A FATHER-of-three has tragically died just hours after arriving in Benidorm following a “last minute” decision to go on a lads trip.

Joseph McManus, 42, suddenly collapsed on the strip at the Spanish holiday town on Friday.

The Irishman from Dingle, who lived in Liverpool, was pronounced dead shortly after.

A pal told the Echo that he had only decided to go on the trip at the last minute after other pals had dropped out.

Lee Beck said Joseph was a “big cuddly bear”.

Lee, 42, said: “He was a happy-go-lucky guy. He was kind and caring. He was always stopping people in the street and asking them how they were.”

The pal also said Joseph was an entertainer and brilliant dad who doted on his three children.

Lee added: “Joseph’s mum keeps saying it’s not real, and she is still waiting to get a WhatsApp message from him. His sisters are devastated. They’re all going through it.”

A GoFundMe has now been launched to bring Joseph back from Ireland by Beck.

It reads: “Everyone loved this lad he was a legend. Let’s help his family and get him home.”

Tributes have been left on the GoFundMe page from wellwishers.

One said: “Can’t believe this, top lad and a good friend. Will miss you brother.”

A second said: “Gutted to hear this. Such a nice lad, thinking of the family.”

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