BOXING legend Chris Eubank’s son Sebastian will be laid to rest today at his funeral in Dubai after dying from a massive heart attack while in the sea.
Sebastian tragically collapsed just days before his 30th birthday, with a post-mortem revealing he had an unknown pre-existing heart defect.
The shock discovery, meaning he most likely would have perished had the heart stopped when he was out of the water, has provided solace for his grieving family.
Eubanks’ Muslim funeral will take place in Dubai later today as it was revealed his grieving family will go for medical check-ups following the tragedy.
They fear Sebastain’s heart defect may be hereditary – putting the rest of the family in grave danger.
A source told The Sun: “The family are in mourning. But amid the raw grief they are aware of the health issues.
‘RAW GRIEF’
“It is responsible for their loved ones for Chris and his family to have heart check-ups.
“They are all committed to see heart specialists after the funeral.”
Sebastian’s widow told movingly how he had just enjoyed one of his favourite meals with his closest pals before tragedy struck.
She told of the “happy weeks” he spent with their young son Raheem before his untimely death.
Salma Abdelati revealed: “Dubai Police and the Coroner have confirmed that after a full post mortem Sebastian Eubank tragically died from a massive heart attack whilst in the sea and probably could not have been saved even if out of the water.
“There was evidence of a pre-existing heart condition we were all unaware of.
“While still very painful it is of some comfort that Sebastian died after having one of his favourite meals with one of his closest friends whilst doing his favorite thing at his favourite place in Dubai where he often went to swim.
“He was standing in the water close to shore watching the sunset at Cove Beach in Dubai.
“I am grateful that he was able to spend a few short and happy weeks with his son before his death.
“I would like to express my profound gratitude to the Dubai Coroner for conducting a swift and thorough investigation and to Dubai Police and in particular the Victim Support Department for their help and support at this difficult time.”
‘DEEP THINKER’
Sebastian became a dad for the first time a month ago and was making a life for himself in the United Arab Emirates with wife Salma.
His devastated boxing champ dad Chris Eubank Sr hailed his “loved” son a “deep thinker” as he paid a heartfelt tribute to him.
“Never did I ever imagine I would write these words or experience the feeling I now have at the loss of my son,” he said.
“My family and I are devastated to hear of the death of Sebastian just days before what would have been his 30th birthday.”
Sebastian leaves Salma, his son Raheem born just a month ago, his mother Karron Meadows, brothers Nathanael, Chris, Jr, Joseph, one sister Emily and countless relatives and friends.
His father went on: “Sebastian grew up in Hove in England but in the last few years made his life in Dubai where he had a wide circle of friends and was a leader in the adoption of a healthy lifestyle and of alternative therapies.”
‘HUGE LOSS’
Eubank Sr said his son had been working as a personal trainer and professional boxer.
Following in his fighter dad’s footsteps, Sebastian made his MMA debut last year.
Sebastian’s mum Karron said: “Our whole family is grieving at the huge loss of our son and brother, Sebastian.”
While his brother, Chris Eubank Jr, 31, – who is also a professional boxer, added: “Rest easy little brother, I love you and you will be missed always.”
He said he’s sorry he “wasn’t there” in a heartbreaking tribute adding: “I haven’t cried since I was 12 years old… yesterday I cried the whole day. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to watch your back like a big brother’s supposed to.
“Can’t believe you’re really gone man but you’ll always be in my heart, mind & spirit.”
Chris told his brother his legacy will “live on through your beautiful new born son” and “I will treat him like my own”, as he urged anyone reading to not take their loved ones for granted.
Chris Eubank Sr held the WBO middleweight and super-middleweight titles between 1990 and 1995.
Eubank Sr was a world champion for five years and was one of the most recognisable fighters of the 1990s, with his eccentric personality and talent in the ring proving a watchable combination.
Source: Boxing - thesun.co.uk
