Gladiators star, Fury, has revealed her dad has died following an horrific accident. Mixed martial arts expert, Phil Ounsley, 56, tragically collapsed on one of Yorkshire’s Three Peaks on Sunday before suffering a suspected heart attack.
Fury, real name Jodie Ounsley, 24, posted on Instagram alongside a picture of her father when she was a baby: “Heartbroken. Yesterday, my dad suddenly passed away while doing one of his favourite things—walking Pen-y-Ghent.
“He had hiked that peak countless times throughout his life, but none of us knew he wouldn’t walk back down that day. I don’t have the words. All I can say is that he was, and always will be, my absolute hero.”
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@jodieounsley/Instagram)
Jodie continued: “He encouraged me to dream big and loved me wholeheartedly, and for that I will be forever grateful.
“Until we meet again, Dad.”
According to The Sun, paramedics battled to save Phil while airlifting him from the 2,277ft peak – but it is believed to have been too late.
A source told the publication: “Phil was perfectly fit and healthy. His death has come as such a shock to all who knew him.
“He was such a genuinely great guy and did a lot for charity. And he was always exercising and pushing himself to help others.
“Phil is the last person you would expect something like this to happen to due to the lifestyle he lived.”
They added that Phil’s wife, Jo, daughter Jodie and son, Jack, were all “devastated.”
Jodie, who is due to film her appearance for the Strictly Come Dancing Christmas special next Tuesday, became a fan favourite with BBC viewers on the reboot of the iconic 90s show. Gladiators.
The professional rugby player has starred for England sevens and the Chiefs, as well as spells at Loughborough Lightning and Sale Sharks.
However, last year Jodie announced she was stepping back from rugby to pursue other opportunities.
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