Popular angler Stephen Kitcher, 43, was ‘devoted’ husband and ‘doting’ father-of-three (Picture: BNPS)
An angler has died from suspected carbon monoxide poisoning as he tried to keep warm with a gas heater in his zipped-up tent.
Steve Kitcher, 43, was night fishing when he is believed to have fallen asleep with the device left on.
The father-of-three was found dead the following morning at the private fishery near his home on the Isle of Wight.
It is thought he was overcome by the fumes without proper ventilation. His death is being treated as a tragic accident.
Friends have paid moving tributes to the ‘devoted’ husband and ‘doting’ father, and are raising money to support his wife Michelle and their three children.
Friend Lee Burden said: ‘To say we are shocked would be an understatement. It has really upset us.
‘Steve was an extremely kind man who supported my business from the very beginning.
The father-of-three was found dead in his bivvy tent at the Isle of Wight fishery (Picture: BNPS)
‘It is absolutely awful. He was a very nice guy and he just made a tiny mistake.
‘He fell asleep whilst fishing. Unfortunately he fell asleep with the heater on in the bivvy. He never woke.
‘We just hope that we can raise enough money to help ease the burden on his family at this most difficult of times.
‘It’s times like this that we need to stick together as a community and support those who need our help.’
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The tragic death has prompted fresh warnings about using gas heaters in bivvy tents during the winter.
Poingdestres Angling Centre, from Southampton, posted on Facebook: ‘Please, please ensure that if you do use a gas heater or cooker in your shelter that you ABSOLUTELY ensure that you have adequate ventilation.
‘NEVER go to sleep with it on, and ideally just wear extra layers or use a good hot water bottle instead.’
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Popular angler Stephen Kitcher, 43, was ‘devoted’ husband and ‘doting’ father-of-three.
