Father-of-three, 31, dies after being hit during Prague stag party

A father-of-three, who was described as the 'glue of the family' died after allegedly being hit with a vodka bottle on a stag do in Prague. 

David 'Dai' Richards, 31, who hailed from Mountain Ash, Rhondda Cynon Taf died in the Czech Republic capital last Saturday. 

The previous night he had allegedly been struck in the back of the head in a 'blind attack' on the first night of a stag do weekend abroad., according to his family.

Mr Richards' provisional cause of death has been listed as blunt force trauma, the grieving family have said. 

The avid footballer and his partner Jola Simms were parents to three children, Aurora, four, Bear, two and Vienna aged one. 

In a touching tribute to the father-of-three, the heartbroken family have described him  as 'an absolutely amazing father, partner, son, brother, and friend', who was the 'glue of the family'.

Mr Richards partner Miss Simms, his sister-in-law Tammy Sheehan as well as his cousin Gemma Thomas have spoken publicly on the family's behalf.

The father-of-three had only just returned to Wales from a family holiday the day prior before setting off to Prague for a close friend's bachelor weekend. 

'He left the house at 5am and it was by 10pm that night our time Gemma and Jola had a phone call from [Mr Richards' friend] Nathan to say that there was an incident that had happened with David and the whole family needed to get a flight as soon as possible as he was critical.'

When the family landed in the Czech Republic they hoped the doting father's condition would improve, but his life-support machines were switched off on Saturday afternoon.

Explaining what they believe they know so far, they said: 'It wasn't a fight like what I think some people are thinking - it was a blind attack. 

'From the attack he actually passed away from blunt force trauma. David was talking to locals in the street when he took a blow to the back of the head.'

According to the grieving family, a French passer-by gave first aid at the scene. 

They have said their ordeal has been worsened by the incident taking place overseas. 

The family felt that the local authorities in the Czech Republic weren't as helpful as expected.

'What we found as a family was that they were really abrupt and blunt and just not that helpful to us. It just didn't seem like a nice place to visit,' the family said.

'We just had an awful experience even when we were asking for help and they were just looking at us really blank.' 

Some of Mr Richards' family remain in Prague while they wait for the death certificate.

In a touching tribute, the family said: 'We would describe David as having the heart of a lion. He was an extremely family-orientated person.. 

'He was the fun one - he always brought the energy. We described him as the glue to the family.

'He was an absolutely amazing father, partner, son, brother, and friend. There isn't a bad word to be said about him.'

A fundraising page has now been set up to help his partner Miss Sims, who has been left two raise three young children in the wake of his death.

'It is absolutely awful. Jola being a single mother of three children she is going to be in an awkward financial situation so we just wanted to help. 

'The outpouring of love has been so overwhelming but it's comforting to see how well-loved he was.'

His local football club released a heartfelt statement where they extended their 'deepest condolences' to Mr Richards' family and friends. 

They continued: 'The world has lost a good man - a father, a son, and a brother. This is a loss for all of us but the grief and sorrow that you as a family must feel are the deepest and most poignant and personal.

'As mark of respect to all involved our game on Saturday was postponed. Dai touched the lives of many involved at our club and we are devastated at this terrible loss. 

'As a club we are here for any support you need and we are all thinking of you at this sad time. Rest in peace Dai.' 

Local media in the Czech Republic have said a 26-year-old man has since been arrested and is facing charges of grievous bodily harm and disorderly conduct. 

Czech police spokesperson Jan Daněk said an argument had broken out between two groups before the incident, according to Prague Morning. 

MailOnline have approached the Foreign, Commonwealth, and Development Office for comment.