Advertisement

Family heartbroken after dad, 36, dies during nap

A devastated family is grieving after a dad of two died while taking a nap after work last week.

When Daniel Perkins, from Albion Park on the NSW South Coast, arrived home after his night shift last Wednesday, he decided to get some rest before picking up his twin sons from school later on.

“Sadly Daniel didn’t get to the school – he passed away in his sleep,” his brother-in-law Shane Anderson told Yahoo News Australia on Wednesday.

The dad, described as a “genuine and caring bloke”, leaves behind his wife Nikki and eight-year-old boys.

Mr Anderson said Mr Perkins “had no sign of any illness”.

Daniel Perkins with his wife and sons.
Daniel Perkins, from Albion Park on the NSW South Coast, died in his sleep last week. Source: Supplied

“It was a heartbreaking experience that no wife, child, parent or anyone should have to endure,” he said.

Mr Anderson said Mr Perkins and Nikki were high school sweethearts and had been together for 21 years.

When they welcomed their sons into the world eight years ago, the boys were born premature and spent the first 100 days of their lives in hospital.

“Dan and Nikki were an amazing team and got through it together,” Mr Anderson said.

“They also made some long lasting friendships with other parents during this time that they are still in contact with.”

'A jokester who loved a good laugh'

Mr Anderson described his brother-in-law as a friendly guy who always took the time to talk to people.

“Nikki would often wonder why he was taking so long and its because he was chatting to the man at the bakery, or the coffee shop and would always have a chat to the teachers when picking the boys up from school,” he said.

“He was the most genuine and caring bloke, but also a jokester and would love a good laugh.

Dan hugging his twin sons.
The “genuine and caring bloke” leaves behind his wife Nikki and eight-year-old boys. Source: Supplied

“He wouldn’t leave a BBQ or get together without shaking everybody’s hand, or hugging everyone in the room goodbye.”

He said Mr Perkins worked the night shift so he could spend more time with his sons.

“He liked to tinker in his garage, work on his bike and had a fascination in creatures, animals and everything in between, which you can see shine through in the boys today,” Mr Anderson said.

“He would do anything for his boys and Nikki.”

Brother-in-law's plea after sudden death

Mr Anderson, who has created a GoFundMe to help his sister raise the twins, is now urging people to visit their doctor if they’re ever “feeling off, even slightly”.

“To those that have messaged, sent flowers, dropped off food or donated to his GoFundMe page, the whole family thanks you for the bottom of their hearts,” he said.

“During this horrible time it has provided comfort and eased the burdens we are facing.

“While this won’t bring him back, it will provide time for Nikki and the boys to grieve and add some security to their future.”

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Twitter and download the Yahoo News app from the App Store or Google Play.