28-Year-Old Dad Dies Suddenly With 72 Holes In His Lungs
A young man from New South Wales has tragically passed away just days before turning 29, after a rare and devastating bacterial infection left his lungs riddled with holes.
Dylan Watts, 28, of Broulee, south of Bateman’s Bay, lost his battle on March 22. His family said while they knew his health was deteriorating, his death still came as a heartbreaking shock.
Dylan Watts holding a coffee while wearing a hat and sunglasses , Photo Credit: Gofundme
Doctors had previously warned that Dylan was unlikely to live past 30 due to the severity of the condition. By mid-2024, the infection had created an astonishing 72 holes in his lungs, leaving him dependent on heavy medication and repeated hospital care.
His younger sister, Caitlyn, told the Daily Mail Australia the illness progressed at an alarming pace.
“I found out last July just how bad things had gotten,” she explained. “He had already spent three weeks in the hospital after coughing up blood. The doctor said if he hadn’t gone in when he did, he wouldn’t have made it.”
Dylan Watts holding up his hands covered in a black substance, Photo Credit: Gofundme
Back in 2021, doctors identified just two holes in Dylan’s lungs. But over the next three years, his health continued to decline. His family recalls his constant fatigue, persistent cough, reflux issues, and battles with mental health. Over-the-counter treatments failed, and eventually, he required specialist care.
Earlier this year, Dylan endured another three-week hospital stay after suffering a lung hemorrhage. From that point, the number of holes in his lungs skyrocketed, and he required so many medications that his sister said they could “fill an entire backpack.”
Despite his condition, Caitlyn described her brother as determined and hopeful. “He was very sick but still fighting. He really believed he could recover somehow.”
Selfie of Dylan Watts, Photo Credit: Gofundme
Just two weeks before his death, Dylan’s mother Suzanne brought him home, along with his beloved puppy, Polar. She began making plans for his long-term care. Tragically, only five days later, Dylan passed away.
His sister remembers him as someone who was both curious and fiercely protective of those he loved. “He always stood up for people who didn’t have a voice,” she said. “He was my big brother, and I always looked up to him. He was the one to guide me, even if it meant pulling me back when I was making mistakes.”
The siblings bonded closely over music and tattoos. Dylan had even begun learning to tattoo himself and was planning to ink both his mom and sister before his health declined.
Selfie of Dylan Watts outside, Photo Credit: Gofundme
A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to help cover funeral expenses. So far, it has raised more than $3,300 of its $6,000 goal.
On the fundraiser page, Caitlyn urged others to cherish loved ones while they still can. “This shows how fragile life is. Hold your family close and tell them you love them.”
Family friend Cheyenne O’Brien echoed the grief. “Even though we knew he was unwell, it’s still such a shock. His family now has to endure both their loss and the stress of planning his farewell.”
Sources: Daily Mail