Heartbreak as much-loved dad and popular Inverness bar doorman dies suddenly on Father’s Day and his birthday
An Inverness dad renowned as a friendly doorman on the city’s evening hospitality scene has died tragically at the age of 49.
Much-loved David Mullen passed away suddenly on Father’s Day, which was also his birthday.
He is survived by partner Emilia and their children Kaiden and Amilia, as well as a broader network of family loved ones including his older children Hayley and Jordan and his three granddaughters.
Such was his popularity and extensive network of friends and acquaintances in and around the city, a crowdfunding page for the family, set up by close friend Jason Carling, has already raised over £3000.
Heartbroken tributes have been paid to Mr Mullen, who worked as a doorman and an Inverness City Centre BID security officer outside local bars and clubs for around two decades.
He also had spells working for Cafe1, the Mustard seed and more recently R&Bs, before becoming a carer.
Mr Carling wrote on the GoFundMe page: “Dave unexpectedly left us on Sunday, June 15 (Father's Day and his birthday) aged 49 years.
“He had a beautiful partner Emilia and two children, Kaiden and Amilia, who have been left heartbroken.
“Dave has been a well-known face in the town centre with his 20 years as a doorman.
“Anyone who knew him or had an interaction with him would tell you how sound a guy he was, always doing what he could do to help people.
“I would like to do this fundraiser to help towards any costs associated with his funeral or to go towards his young children.”
R&B's Facebook page also paid tribute, with a special commemoration of Mr Mullen’s life now planned.
It said: “To honour his memory, we are raising funds to assist with funeral costs and support his young children.
“We will be holding a ‘celebration of life’ party at R&Bs on June 22 from 7pm to 11pm, where all proceeds will go to this fundraiser.”
A spokesman for Inverness City Centre BID said: “We are so sorry to hear this news.
“David was a familiar and friendly face in the city centre and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
Members of the public have added many tributes on social media.
Among them, Nicola McAlley of STV said: “(He was) a lovely guy. Condolences to all his friends and loved ones.”
Shirley Reid said: “I’m very saddened that he passed away so suddenly. I hope his family will eventually come to terms with their loss.”
And Nate Farquhar remembered “a great guy - condolences to family and friends. He was a legend at R&B’s. I’ll miss him.”
Those wishing to donate to the crowdfunder can do so here at https://gofund.me/7be2218f
