AMERICAN octogenarian Fred Donnelly, whose dream to fly home to receive much-needed medical treatment looked close to reality after a travel ban was lifted, has died in Saar.
The 80-year-old, who had been unable to leave Bahrain since 2008, passed away in the early hours of yesterday with his beloved wife, Julie, by his side.
The GDN reported early last month that the wheelchair-bound retired businessman was given the green light to leave the country after a bank and the authorities removed all obstacles, just hours after his plight was highlighted.
“Fred did not make it,” Ms Donnelly told the GDN. “He had been unwell and was in pain. He had not been eating well for a while and he passed away in his sleep at around 1am.”
Mr Donnelly from Chester, Pennsylvania, was placed under a travel ban following a dispute over a BD162,000 loan taken by him and his former Bahraini and British partners.
The anxiety and stress of 14 years had affected Mr Donnelly’s health and he also suffered from a spinal condition which needed an operation. Further surgery was required and as a former US serviceman he was set to get it carried out for free back in the US.
“We were planning to leave by the month end,” said his British expatriate wife. “At the moment I am still figuring out how best to go about this situation.
“I’m glad that friends are around to help me at this time of difficulty. Decisions will have to be made and I may try to arrange a cremation service so that I can carry his ashes back home where he so wanted to be.”
Mr Donnelly made a written plea to the Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs for help last month. His former British business partner was allowed to leave but his travel ban had remained in place after the bank filed a legal case.
Soon after the GDN highlighted his plight the concerned private bank took the initiative to resolve the crisis.
“He was planning to leave the country for good by this month end, but God had a different plan,” said a family friend. “I’ve lost a very good person, a fatherly figure to me.”
raji@gdn.com.bh
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