Dylan Jay Watts, 28, from Broulee, NSW, was known for his love as a devoted father. When his son was born, he said, “Words cannot describe how much more purpose I feel with you in my life.”
Despite ongoing health struggles, his sudden death on March 22 shocked his loved ones. A severe bacterial infection took his life — but what doctors found in his lungs made the tragedy even more haunting.
Dylan’s lung issues began in 2021 with two holes; by mid-2024, scans revealed 72. After a severe lung hemorrhage, he was hospitalized for weeks, relying on a backpack’s worth of medication. His sister Caitlyn said he remained hopeful, even as doctors warned he might not live past 30.
Five days after returning home to arrange long-term care with his mother, Dylan passed — just shy of his 29th birthday.
A GoFundMe was launched to support funeral costs, raising over AU$4,600 of its AU$6,000 goal. His family and friends remember him for his strength, love, and the lasting impact he leaves behind.
“Let this be a reminder,” Caitlyn wrote, “that those you love can be gone in an instant. Hold them close.”