Heartbreak as ‘incredible’ 38 year-old NI surgeon dies suddenly in his sleep

Father-of-two, Dr. Kyle McDonald sadly passed away in his home in Hollywood.

“So devastated to notify the sudden death of our son Kyle McDonald,” tweeted Dr. McDonald’s father, Martin McDonald.

“Brilliant son, exceptional spinal consultant and most importantly a wonderful husband to Poppy and father to Darcey and Rory,” added Dr. McDonald’s father.

Health Minister, Robin Swann, paid tribute to Dr. McDonald in the chamber in Stormont on Tuesday.

“Before I set out my plans for orthopaedics, I want to express my condolences to the family of Kyle McDonald, a Consultant Spinal Surgeon in the Belfast Trust,” said Minister Swann.

“Kyle tragically passed away suddenly on Sunday. He was a dedicated and successful surgeon and a credit to his family and his profession.

“My thoughts are very much with his wife, his children, his parents and the entire family – and also with his colleagues in the health service.

“I know I speak for the entire House in extending our deepest sympathies,” added Minister Swann.

Pouchers Funeral Director published an obituary on social media on Monday.

“Kyle was a dedicated and successful Consultant Spinal Surgeon in the Belfast Trust committed to helping people. His parents Martin and Anne McDonald, Newry are heartbroken from the loss of an incredible son, as are his sisters Paula and Cathy, their respective husbands, his niece and his nephew.

“His wife Poppy McDonald (nee Stewart) has lost her best friend and the love of her life.

“Kyle’s biggest success and joy in life was his children, his daughter Darcey (age 6) and his son Rory (age 4).

“The children loved their daddy more than anything and he was and will remain their hero.

“His wife, Poppy will ensure Kyle’s kindness, humour, ambition, quick wit and ability to enjoy life will live on with Darcey and Rory, just as he would have expected her to do.

“Kyle’s passing will also be sadly mourned by his wife’s parents Charles and Jane Mary Stewart and her brothers Robbie and Charlie along with their respective wives Aisleen and Leanne.”

Dr. McDonald’s remains will reside at his parents home, 37 Crieve Road Newry, Wednesday 29 and Thursday 30 July.

Funeral service to be held in St Mary’s Chapel Newry at 12 noon on Friday July 31 followed by cremation in Roselawn Crematorium Belfast at 3pm. House Private. No flowers please, contributions kindly accepted in his name to: Helping Hand; Royal Belfast Hospital for Sick Children; 180 Falls Road; Belfast; BT12 6BE.