Russ Johnston, Essex tattoo shop owner and father, died suddenly after a hiking trip. He was only 40 years old.
Russ went on a camping trip scheduled to last three days. He was expected home on Monday, January 27, but sadly, he never made it back.
Russ was a tattoo artist owning a shop in Essex. He died from a pulmonary embolism, a blockage in the lungs, which occurred at a gas station. People attempted CPR, but their efforts were unsuccessful.
The family initiated a GoFundMe campaign for his children: Curtis, Grace, and Amelia. They have raised over £3,000, which will help the kids remember their dad. Theresa also plans to create jewelry using his fingerprints.
Theresa described Russ’s final moments, explaining he stopped for gas in Ambleside. He paid, returned to his van, and then collapsed, she said.
People tried to help him, performing CPR and calling 999, but they could not revive him. Theresa expressed gratitude to those who tried to save Russ, finding comfort in knowing he wasn’t alone. Russ started his journey in Leicestershire and drove to Windermere, experiencing no issues along the way.
He left his daughters with their mom on Friday and should have returned Monday. He had even booked plasterers for his shop. When he did not show up, they knew something was wrong.
His cousin and partner searched for Russ and reported him missing when they could not find him. His ex-partner then delivered the terrible news, with police later providing more details.
His mom was the first to find out and she called Theresa.. Distraught by the news, she sobbed saying “He’s gone.” She is now arranging the funeral, which is a difficult task as Russ is now gone too.
Theresa was shocked by her brother’s sudden death, noting that he was still young. Russ was overweight but active, and they never anticipated this happening.
He walked 10,000 steps daily and regularly sent photos of his walks to his mom. He actively tried to stay fit, so no one saw this coming.
Theresa remembers Russ as funny, loving to have fun, and enjoying activities like visiting the Peaks and camping. He also liked pushing himself.
He had tattoos on his feet. The person preparing his body laughed, recognizing his personality.
Russ owned By Design tattoo shop, which he ran with a partner. Besides this shop, he had shops in other cities but gave them to apprentices.
People often noticed his many tattoos, which his apprentices had done over the years. He allowed them to practice on him.
Russ loved hiking and camping and always communicated his plans to others, including his destination and expected return time.
The weeks following his death passed quickly. Russ touched many lives. People shared stories about him, noting how he would drop everything to help. People can donate to his GoFundMe to support his kids.