Dylan Jay Watts, a 28-year-old father from Broulee, New South Wales, passed away from a severe lung infection that left him with “72 irreparable holes in his lungs,” just days before his 29th birthday. A devoted father, Dylan once shared, “Words cannot describe how much more purpose I feel with you in my life!” after his son was born.

Family friend Cheyenne O’Brien said, “Although the 28-year-old had been gravely ill in the weeks and days leading to his passing, his loved ones were shocked by his death.”

Dylan’s sister, Caitlyn, revealed, “I found out in July of last year how severe things had begun to get, that he had holes in his lungs and had been in hospital for three weeks after coughing up blood.” She added, “His doctor told him if he hadn’t got in so soon, that could have killed him.”

Despite constant struggles with coughing, reflux, fatigue, and mental health, Dylan remained “fighting for his health and optimistic about some kind of recovery,” according to Caitlyn. Doctors warned he wouldn’t make it past 30.

The family’s GoFundMe read, “Let this be a reminder that those you love can be gone in an instant… His memory and his story will be remembered by many who loved him, and he will be forever missed.”