Man drops dead in Troon nighclub

Oct 10 2008 by Lisa Boyle

A NIGHT out ended in tragedy when a young man dropped dead in a nightclub.

Austin Keohane was out with pals when he collapsed and died in Pebbles nightclub in Troon during the early hours of Saturday morning.

The 28-year-old suffered from a heart condition and was taking medication for his problem.

The tragedy unfolded at around 2am when Austin took unwell and collapsed.

Clubbers could only look on in horror as staff at the nightclub desperately tried to give Austin the kiss of life.

But despite their frantic efforts, the young mechanic died in the club.

His heartbroken family have praised the efforts of everyone who fought to save him.

Austin’s mum, Margaret Cartwright, said: “We want to thank all the Pebbles staff who were a great help. We’d especially like to thank Glenn Campbell and the other door stewards who administered CPR.”

Austin worked as a mechanic for Ryanair and was based at Prestwick Airport, although he had been off work for the last 18 months.

Shocked friends and family have left tributes to popular Austin on his Bebo page.

His sister Erin, 26, said: “Good night and God bless big brother, I can’t believe you are gone, you will never be forgotten. You will always be in my heart.

“I will never forget your laugh, I wish I could hear it one more time.”

Big brother Sean, 30, added: “Good night Powers, sleep tight. Keep an eye on Mum, Dad and our wee sister for me will you – seeing as you have a better view than me bro.

“Keep me pointing in the right direction too. Love always and forever.”

Robin Girvan and his wife own Pebbles. They took flowers to Austin’s family on behalf of the nightclub.

Robin said: “We were really shocked and saddened by what happened.

“Austin was a regular in Pebbles. He was never one to get drunk and cause trouble, a genuinely nice guy who everyone knew and got on well with.”

Austin’s funeral will be held in Troon Old Parish Church next Wednesday at 2pm, before moving onto Dreghorn crematorium.