Young dad dies hours after ‘joking’ with family

A tribute is paid to the “amazing” father who died a few hours after “joking” with his family.

Sam Mercer was recovering at home from Valentine’s Day surgery for a broken femur he suffered last December.

However, on Sunday, February 19, a 35-year-old man died suddenly.

His brother, Tom Hanlon, said Sam was “recovering well” before getting a call Sunday night telling him he was being taken to the hospital.

By the time Tom arrived at Sam’s home in Crosby, Merseyside, he was already dead.

Tom told The Liverpool Echo: “I spoke to him at 11am that day and he was fine, he was joking.

“Then I got a call and the paramedics and the police were there. They came out to say that he was already dead.

“I just don’t know what we’ll do without him. He just loved life and was always the life of the party.

“Sam had an incredible sense of humor, got along with everyone and set the room on fire. He just loved everyone and was the best father.”

Sam, a father of three, was the owner of the Volunteer Canteen pub in Waterloo, Merseyside, which his brother said was something of a “baby” to him.

A post on the pub’s Facebook page about Sam’s death has already racked up nearly 400 likes and 200 comments.

Sam’s family is waiting to find out how he died and the autopsy has yet to take place.

Tom said, “It doesn’t feel real, it’s like we’re in a nightmare, and it shook us all to the core, especially my mom.

“Christmas won’t be the same without him, he’s always been the one to make us laugh and joke.

“It just doesn’t make sense, he was in good shape and went to the gym all the time.

“He always took the kids out for walks and tried to stay active during the operation.

“I just want to show what a wonderful person he was and how much he meant to everyone. Life will never be the same without him.”

Sam is survived by three children: wife Jenny, mother Susan, father Andrew and his siblings Tom, Ben, Jack, Andrew, Matthew, Becky and Vicki.