Mum’s appeal to fly Hartlepool son’s ashes to family in USA after his sudden death at just 36

Joseph Kilna’s partner Becky and two young children flew out from England to the States in September with Joe, 36, due to join them later.

Tragically, Joe, a labourer, who lived in Derby Street, off Oxford Road, in Hartlepool, died just two days later.

Now his mum Fiona House is appealing to supporters to help take Joe’s ashes to his partner and their children Lisa, nine, and seven-year-old Mason Kilna, in Missouri.

She has set up an online fundraising page on GoFundMe.

Fiona said: “His partner and children left England to move to America on September 17. Joe was to fly on at a later date.

“Joe passed away on September 19. His children have asked me if I can bring their dad’s ashes to them.

“I just want to get the money to get over there and take him to them and to his final resting place.

“It is to pay for the cost of the flight.”

It is not yet known how Joe died and Fiona is currently waiting on the results of toxicology tests.

She estimates the cost of a return air ticket to America to be between £600 and £800.

Joe was born in London and he and Becky settled in Hartlepool nine years ago.

They were looking forward to starting a new life together in America where Becky was born.

Becky and the kids flew out early to set up home and also so she could attend her sister’s wedding.

A celebration of Joe’s life was held at Stranton Crematorium on October 7.

Fiona added: “Quite a lot of people knew him and he had quite a few friends.

“It would mean the world to them children to be able to take his ashes because his daughter said ‘I would be happy once I get my daddy back’.

“They are not going to accept his death until they see me with them.”

Anyone who wishes to help Fiona’s plight can give at the page titled Bring My Daddy Home at www.gofundme.com/f/1sb036r8mo