'A big person in life and character': Tributes pour in for 'Big Jase' after gym death
A community has rallied to support the family of a popular gym-goer who died while working out days after his 50th birthday.
Father-of-three Jason O'Connor, known as 'Big Jase', died during a training session at the Foundry Gym in Wolverhampton this week.
More than £1,000 has already been raised for his family via a GoFundMe page set up by the gym as tributes continue to be paid to the cavity wall installer who lived in Horseley Fields.
Jason's former wife Rebecca Richards, 50, from Leamington Spa, said: "We met 25 years ago, we were married and had our son Oscar together, who is now 20.
"Jason was a vibrant character. He was a very big person in life, physically and in his character.
"In the last year he made up for any misgivings we had, and he has really helped Oscar, they lived together, worked together and trained together, they were best friends and the gap he has left is so big.
"Jason turned 50 this May and we spent it together as a family. It's these memories that we are holding on to now."
As well as being a gym fanatic, Jason loved music and food and Rebecca said his big passions were his children and his job.
She added: "He was a Marmite character and had his demons, but anyone who truly knew him would know despite his size he was the biggest softest person you could meet.
"Deep down he would have done anything for anybody.
"Oscar has had so many calls and messages offering him help and support, it is evident Jason has made a mark on his life."
Members of the Cooper Street gym who were training at the time rushed to Jason's aid before paramedics arrived but nothing could be done to save him.
His death is "no way related" to the gym or its equipment and police are not investigating.
Jason's sister Emma Richards praised the customers and staff at the gym for trying to help her brother and thanked the dozens of people who have donated
The 46-year-old, who lives in Coventry, said: "I would like to pass on my thanks to everyone at the gym for caring so much and trying to help my brother.
"I am truly heartbroken as he was my everything but it’s comforting to know how many people loved and admired him and how many lives he touched.
"I thank everyone that has donated and I thank you on behalf of my family. I am truly grateful."
More than 50 donations have been made, including from other Foundry gym branches across the Black Country and Staffordshire.
A gym spokesman wrote on the fundraising page: "This gentleman was part of our Foundry family and his sudden passing has touched many of our staff and members deeply.
"We as a community want to help by raising funds and contributing as much as we can towards the cost of giving him the send off he deserves.
"All proceeds will be given directly to the family along with any funds raised within the gym."
Speaking about the outpouring of support from the community, Rebecca said: "A massive thank you for the support and a huge thank you goes to the gym and the people who tried to help Jason.
"Jason is part of the gym that he loved, and part of him will always be there now."
