'Body snatcher' horror: UK man who died in Egypt returned home without heart, kidneys

David Humphries, 62, died after collapsing in the pool during a game with his grandchildren while on holiday in Egypt. Photo / Supplied

A British man who died in Egypt had his heart and kidneys removed before his body was repatriated, it has emerged.

David Humphries, 62, died after collapsing in the pool during a game with his grandchildren in the Red Sea resort of Hurghada.

Mr Humphries and his wife of 39 years Lynda were on a two-week family holiday in September with their daughter and grandchildren when he fell ill.

A UK coroner ordered a second post-mortem examination of his body – and the shocking discovery was made.

Heartbroken wife Lynda Humphries, 59, said she wants answers after it emerged David sought medical help before he died.

A week into the family holiday David – known as Dave- had complained of chest pains.

Not willing to take a risk the family visited Red Sea Hospital where Dave was handed antibiotics. He died just days later.

Anita Goodall, the couple's daughter had joined them on the break.

She said: "He was taken to hospital but nothing could be done.

"They should never have sent him back to the hotel."

After five hours of interviews following his death the family was told an autopsy was being carried out against their wishes.

They had requested this not be done but were told it was procedure because they raised concerns over the hospital's treatment.

Anita added: "We didn't trust anyone anymore but they told us it was a police inquiry.

"When the body arrived home we were told it was in no state to be seen. That's when alarms started ringing. His heart is most likely the thing that will tell us how he died. Now we'll never know.

"In Egypt they believe that someone can't be laid to rest without their heart. So I just don't understand why they would do this to our family."

Egypt is no stranger to illegal organ markets with millions of dollars being made by organised crime rings.

Earlier in 2018 37 people were convicted of being involved in the illicit sales.