HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for a “fearless” Brit tourist who was found dead in Malaysia after disappearing on Christmas Day.
Mark Counsell, 31, from Pontypool in south Wales, had been travelling around south-east Asia before he mysteriously vanished over the festive period.
The holidaymaker was last seen during a FaceTime call with loved ones on Christmas Day in Thailand.
Gwent cops launched a missing persons appeal following the call and speculated the missing Brit was either in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia’s capital, or Thailand.
On Wednesday, Malaysian cops found a body during the search operation before later confirming it was Mark.
A fundraiser has been set up for the Britwho was known as “Melon” by his friends and family.
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The money raised will be used to repatriate his body as he is understood to have been on holiday without insurance.
His sister Georgia said in an emotional tribute on GoFundMe: “It is with a broken heart we share the tragic loss of my brother, Mark Counsell who passed away while travelling in Kuala Lumpur.
“As we navigate through this incredibly difficult time, we are facing a financial burden we never imagined—one that is hard to bear in addition to our grief.”
She continued: “Melon was a one of a kind and can never be replaced. He was well known and was much loved by his friends and family for his wild characteristics and his funny, well-equipped jokes.
“He always had the ability to leave a lasting impression on everyone he met as if it was his goal.”
Georgia also told how Mark “lived for the moment”, describing him as “fearless and full of adventure”.
She said he “had big dreams, no safety net but had a knack for making things happen on his own terms”.
And she explained that any donations would be used to transport his body back home, cover funeral expenses and help the rest of the family navigate the tragedy.
The GoFundMe for Mark has raised over £8,000 as of Saturday.
Georgia added: “Unfortunately, my brother did not have insurance or any possessions that could help us with the costs associated with bringing his body back home to us.
“The overwhelming love and support that has been shown by all who knew Mark, has brought the family comfort.
“Therefore, we are asking for your help for the expenses involved in returning him and honoring his memory.
“To get him back home is beyond what we can manage on our own, so we are reaching out to ask for your help.”
Devastated friends and family have left tributes online, with one person saying: “Fly high lad, my sincere condolences to the family”.
Another said: “This is every parent’s worst nightmare”.
“Rest in peace young man.”
A third said: “Rest easy cuzz”.
Mark’s tragic death comes after another Brit was found dead abroad.
Luke Kellett-Smith, 34, was out in the early hours of December 28 last year when he was reportedly involved in a heated argument with Benard Emeka Oneh.
Emeka Oneh, 30, allegedly assaulted Luke, formerly of Woking, and sent him flying to the ground after the first blow.
When Luke got up, the suspected killer was accused of assaulting him again, which caused him to lose consciousness, the Toronto Police Service said.
Luke was transported to hospital and placed on life support before succumbing to his injuries on New Year’s Eve.