Man, 28, Dies Suddenly With 72 Holes In His Lungs

A family in New South Wales is mourning the tragic and unexpected loss of 28-year-old Dylan Jay Watts, a devoted father whose health rapidly declined due to a severe bacterial infection.

Dylan, who lived in Moruya, Australia, passed away on March 22—just days before his birthday—after a courageous battle with a worsening lung condition that left doctors stunned. He leaves behind an eight-year-old son and a heartbroken family struggling to come to terms with the sudden loss

“Words cannot describe how much more purpose I feel with you in my life!” Dylan once wrote in tribute to his son.

Dylan Jay Watts’ family and friends have been shocked by his passing. Credit: GoFundMe

From Two Holes to 72: A Rapid Health Decline

According to his family, Dylan’s lung issues began escalating in 2021, when a scan revealed two holes. By mid-2024, that number had shockingly grown to 72.

“He was severely unwell yet fighting for his health and optimistic about some kind of recovery,” said his sister, Caitlyn.

In the months before his passing, Dylan experienced serious symptoms—chronic fatigue, persistent coughing, and lung hemorrhaging. In early 2024, he was hospitalized for three weeks and began an intensive treatment regimen that included enough medication to fill a backpack.

Despite the challenges, Dylan remained hopeful and was making long-term care plans with his mother, Suzanne, who had picked him up along with his beloved dog, Polar. Tragically, he passed away just five days later.

Family and Community in Mourning

Dylan’s sudden death has sent waves of grief through his circle of family and friends—many of whom had already endured the loss of two other loved ones in recent years.

Family friend Cheyenne O’Brien shared:

“Although Dylan had been unwell, this has, of course, come as a shock to his loved ones who are now having to deal with not only their grief, but the stress of having to organize his farewell.”

Remembering Dylan: A Father, A Fighter, A Friend

Dylan’s younger sister Caitlyn is still trying to understand how the infection progressed so quickly.

“I found out in July last year how severe things had begun to get,” she said. “His doctor told him if he hadn’t gotten help when he did, it could’ve killed him.”

Despite the odds, Dylan remained positive, focused on recovery, and hopeful about his future. His passing has prompted an outpouring of support from those who knew him.

Community Fundraiser Launched

A GoFundMe campaign has been created to help cover funeral expenses. At the time of writing, it has raised more than AU$4,600 of its AU$6,000 goal.

“Let this be a reminder that those you love can be gone in an instant,” Caitlyn wrote on the page. “So hold them close today and tell them you love them. There is a fragility in all of us.”

Supporters are encouraged to donate or share the fundraiser to help give Dylan the farewell he deserves.

Dylan’s memory lives on through his son, his family, and the many friends whose lives he touched.
You can donate to the Dylan Jay Watts fundraiser here.