A beloved father of three, Dylan Thomas Wakefield, tragically passed away just weeks after experiencing severe stomach pain. The 29-year-old from Nottingham first noticed something was wrong when he awoke with a relentless, searing pain in his upper left abdomen. Despite seeking medical attention, Dylan’s condition rapidly worsened, leading to his untimely death on May 28.
Dylan’s ordeal began on April 24, when he was staying with his sister, Caitlin Lamb. As the pain intensified, he drove himself to King’s Mill Hospital, where he was initially diagnosed with suspected gastritis. However, his condition quickly escalated to severe acute pancreatitis, a critical illness characterized by inflammation and tissue death in the pancreas.
The Sudden Turn of Events
After being admitted to the hospital, Dylan’s health deteriorated rapidly. Within three days, he was placed in an induced coma due to dangerously low blood pressure. His brother, Nathan Lamb, described the shock of the situation, noting that Dylan was young and full of life, making his sudden decline all the more devastating.
Despite the grim prognosis, Dylan briefly regained consciousness on April 29. During this time, he shared a heartfelt message on social media, expressing the severity of his condition and his determination to fight. “This has been the darkest chapter I’ve ever known — terrifying, humbling, and utterly heartbreaking,” he wrote, thanking friends and family for their support.
A Battle Against the Odds
According to Nathan, doctors explained that there was no known treatment for Dylan’s condition, only management of symptoms and pain. The family hoped for a recovery, but Dylan’s health took another downturn, leading to a second coma on May 25. Just three days later, he passed away, leaving behind his children Lily, 12, Layton, 9, and Kingston, 6.
“Dylan liked a drink, but he was only 29 — issues like this you would think only start later in life,” Nathan said, reflecting on the unexpected nature of his brother’s illness.
The cause of Dylan’s pancreatitis remains unclear, though Nathan suspects alcohol consumption may have played a role. The disease, often associated with alcohol use, can lead to severe complications and is notoriously difficult to treat.
Community Support and Family Grief
The Wakefield family has been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support from friends and the community. A crowdfunding campaign has been established to help cover funeral expenses, reflecting the deep impact Dylan had on those around him.
Nathan shared fond memories of his brother, describing him as energetic, forgiving, and the life of the party. “He loved singing and karaoke, and he was the life and soul of the room,” Nathan recalled, emphasizing Dylan’s desire for those around him to be happy.
“His mum, Penelope, and his grandma, Carol, miss him deeply. He has eight siblings, and they all miss him. We were a very close family, and they all meant the world to him,” Nathan added.
Looking Forward: Raising Awareness
The tragic loss of Dylan Wakefield underscores the unpredictability of acute pancreatitis and the need for greater awareness and research into the condition. The family hopes that sharing Dylan’s story will highlight the seriousness of the disease and encourage others to seek prompt medical attention for similar symptoms.
As the community rallies to support the Wakefield family, Dylan’s legacy of love and joy continues to inspire those who knew him. Donations to the family’s GoFundMe campaign can be made to assist with funeral costs and support his children during this difficult time.