British man, 50, is killed on the stroke of midnight in front of his fiancee as firework he was trying to light explodes in his face amid New Year celebrations in Thailand
Gary McLaren, 50, died while ringing in the New Year with his Thai fiancee and friends in the party resort of Pattaya, eastern Thailand, on December 31.
Mr McLaren, who was originally from Corby, Northamptonshire, had been partying at the Miami A Go Go bar before stepping outside and trying to light a 50cm cardboard tube packed with fireworks.
Onlookers said his initial attempts to light the fireworks failed, but he succeeded on a second attempt, causing smoke to pour out of the tube.
The fireworks then exploded in his face, knocking him to the ground.
Police and medics were called and performed chest compressions on Mr McLaren, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.
Posting on Facebook after the accident, she wrote: 'This is [our] last picture honey, you will be in my heart for ever babe. RIP Gary McLaren.'
Rod Parsons added: 'RIP my brother Gary McLaren
'You were like a brother to me & I’ll always be forever grateful plus in your debt for everything you’ve done for me and my son Corey Parsons.