Central Coast Father Dies Suddenly on Thailand Holiday Days Before Birthday
A Central Coast family's cherished annual holiday tradition has ended in profound heartbreak after a beloved father died unexpectedly in Thailand, just days before he was set to celebrate his birthday. Cameron Degan, a 44-year-old supervisor at a mining company, was discovered unresponsive by his wife Kylie at a resort in Phang Nga around 4am on Sunday, April 12th.
Despite frantic efforts to revive him over the course of an hour, including the eventual arrival of an ambulance, Degan could not be saved. The devastating incident occurred while the family was on a planned holiday with close friends, a tradition they had maintained for decades.
Wife Shares Heartbreaking News on Social Media
Kylie Degan, who had been married to Cameron for 19 years, shared the tragic news in an emotional social media post. "It's taking every bit of strength to post this," she wrote. "In the early hours of Sunday 12th April on our Thailand holiday, I lost the love of my life, my best friend. And Charlotte and Jack have lost the best dad in the world."
She confirmed that her husband passed away peacefully in his sleep, but attempts to resuscitate him proved unsuccessful. The family had been staying at the resort from April 7th to 15th, but their holiday was abruptly cut short by this sudden tragedy.
Close Friend Describes the Chaotic Scene
Bec Mullineaux, a close family friend who was holidaying with the Degans, described how the situation "spiralled" after she received a frantic early morning call from Kylie screaming for help. Mullineaux revealed to news outlets that the three families involved had been close for many years and made it a tradition to travel together annually.
"The day before, we went and did a tour, and his daughter actually said, this is the best holiday she's ever been on," Mullineaux recalled, highlighting the cruel timing of the tragedy. She noted that Degan had worked extra hours to help pay for what was meant to be "the best holiday ever" for his family.
Remembering a Devoted Family Man
Mullineaux painted a vivid picture of Degan as a devoted husband, loving father, and exceptionally loyal friend. She described his close bond with his children—his 16-year-old daughter as "a daddy's girl" and his 12-year-old son who often shared jokes with him.
"I do not know another couple that have been together for so long that love each other so much," Mullineaux said of Degan and Kylie's nearly two-decade relationship, adding that the sudden loss has left Kylie "in a million pieces."
Degan was known for working long hours to support his family, often leaving home early in the morning and returning late at night. Outside of work and family, he was a lifelong Canterbury Bulldogs supporter, rarely seen without club gear, and enjoyed playing golf regularly.
Community Rallies with GoFundMe Campaign
In response to the tragedy, friends have established a GoFundMe page to assist with bringing Degan's remains back to Australia and supporting his family with funeral and immediate expenses. The campaign page explains: "We are fundraising to support them through the significant financial challenges resulting from this tragedy, including the costs associated with Cameron's repatriation to Australia, funeral arrangements, and other immediate expenses."
The page emphasizes that any donation, regardless of size, will help ease the financial burden and allow the grieving family to focus on healing and being together during this incredibly difficult period. Mullineaux concluded with a heartfelt tribute: "Cameron was the definition of a great friend and a great dad and a great husband. There will never be anybody like him ever again."
