Eamonn Holmes shares heartbreak over tragic family death - 'He died without warning'

Eamonn Holmes has shared a heartfelt tribute to his dad on the anniversary of his death. The 65-year-old took to Instagram on Saturday (August 23) to remember his dad on what would have been his 100 th birthday.

Sharing a black and white photo of his dad, he penned: “My Dad Leonard, had he lived, would have been 100 today. Instead he died without warning at the age of 64. I took my looks and most of my personality from Mummy... but what an influence that man had on me!

“I think fondly about him every day, every single day. He was a joker and a prankster with a contagious work ethic and I know he lives on in me and my 4 brothers!

“From us all Cheers Daddy. Miss you more than words can ever say x. Oh, and Happy Heavenly Birthday!"

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Eamonn’s followers flocked to the comments section to send the GB News presenter messages of support as one said: “Lovely post Eamonn and your dad has a kind face. Happy 100 th birthday in heaven to him.”

Another expressed: “See where you get your good looks Eamonn, also not forgetting your beautiful mum,” while someone else commented: “What a role model, just like you are to your family Eamonn.”

A fourth added: “Time goes by and you learn to live with the pain of missing those who have passed but what a massive heartache they all leave you with.”

Eamonn’s dad Leonard died aged 64 after suffering a fatal heart attack while driving in 1990. The devastating tragedy, which left Eamonn unable to say goodbye to his dad, causing him to suffer from hideous panic attacks that left him hospitalised, with one occurring live on air while he was presenting breakfast TV.

On that sad day in April 1991, Eamonn received a painful call from his older brother to explain what had happened. While Eamonn was working in London, Leonard, Eamonn's mum Josie, and brothers Conor and Coln had been on a caravan holiday in Ballycastle, Northern Ireland.

Dad Leonard was driving back home from the trip when he suddenly fell ill at the wheel and was forced to pull over at the roadside.

There was nothing Eamonn's devastated family could do as Leonard suffered a fatal heart attack in the middle of the countryside.

By coincidence, family friend John Linehan was visiting the same area and rushed to help while they waited for an ambulance.

"When John got to the car, Daddy was still in the driver’s seat. Mum had already flagged someone down who telephoned for help," explained Eamonn in his 2006 autobiography This Is My Life.

"Conor, loyal to the end, took on the role of an adult and was still on the back seat, leaning over holding on to his dad.

"He grew up a lot that night. Realising his distress, [our family friend] John steered him away from what was going on. He then knelt beside Dad.

"As they waited for an ambulance, John kept talking to him until he became unconscious. He tried to resuscitate him but by the time the ambulance crew got there it was too late.”

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