TRIBUTES have been paid to Isle of Wight web developer Carl Crawley, after he suffered a suspected heart attack and died during a family holiday in Spain.
The Cowes-based entrepreneur had no family history of heart disease, and was believed to have been in good health, but suddenly became dizzy shortly after a meal with his wife, Emma.
He died on August 20, aged just 40.
She said: “Carl was always active, he loved going to rugby matches with our eldest daughter, Izzy, and was a proud Welshman.
“It’s unbelievable to think there was a picture taken just half an hour before he was gone, where he looks absolutely fine.
"He was my soulmate and my best friend, his death has left a massive hole in our lives and hearts.”
"We are all completely devastated."
The tragic news comes just weeks after Carl’s close friend, Ben Rothwell, lost his year-long battle with the debilitating illness Motor Neurone Disease, aged just 46.
Described as a larger-than-life family man with a penchant for loud shirts, Carl enjoyed martial arts, playing golf, turning out for Ventnor Rugby Club and advising aspiring web designers.
In 2010, Carl founded software development company, Made By Hippo, and acted as a mentor for several Isle of Wight start-ups — including Peekaboo, whose founder, Brett White, said he was devastated by the news of his death.
Brett said: “Carl was a gentle giant who I miss terribly, a true fountain of knowledge when it came to anything technical.
“More importantly, he was a fantastic person who adored his wife and kids, and who effortlessly brought a smile to people’s faces.
"I gained a lot of inspiration not only from his business savvy, but also the way he approached family life.”
Further tributes have been paid on social media by many of Carl's friends.
Carl leaves Emma and three children, Izzy, 15, Meghan, ten and Noah, eight.
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