UK grandfather Al Brown dies in tragic DIY accident after completing PCT cycling trail in Mexico

A grandfather known for his “adventurous spirit and kind heart” has died after being electrocuted in a DIY accident just weeks after finishing a “dream” cycling journey.

Al Brown had just completed the gruelling 4270km-long Pacific Crest Trail, a bucket list cycling route or hike starting in Canada and finishing in Mexico, where the tragic accident took place.

The 50-year-old UK man died after touching a live cable while working on a roof in Tepoztlan, a popular tourist town near Mexico City.

After tackling the PCT, Mr Brown had decided to stay longer in Mexico, after a health issue arose, earning money in the country through a “work away scheme” to help pay for a hernia operation, The Sun reports.

The temporary job saw him helping with maintenance projects on homes in the town. The accident sadly happened just hours before he was meant to fly home to Norwich, England, to meet his new grandson.

Friends have since set up a GoFundMe to help bring Mr Brown’s body home, to give “him the farewell he deserves”.

“We are heartbroken to share the devastating news that our dear friend Al Brown has tragically passed away following an accident in Mexico,” Tony Bidwell wrote.

Mr Bidwell described Brown as “full of life, and known for his adventurous spirit and kind heart”.

“A passionate angler, he spent countless peaceful hours at Bawburgh Lakes, a place he truly loved. In recent years, Al found a new passion in cycling, embracing the freedom and challenge it brought him.

“Most recently, Al had been on an incredible journey, cycling through parts of America—a dream he had long held. He completed his adventure just a few weeks ago, finishing in Mexico, where he sadly lost his life.”

Mr Bidwell said he and others wanted “to raise funds to help those whose lives Al touched with the costs of bringing him home and giving him the farewell he deserves”.