Discover 72 Lung Holes: The Story of Dylan Jay Watts

Dylan Jay Watts, a 28-year-old father from Broulee on Australia’s New South Wales coast, was remembered as a devoted parent whose greatest joy was his young son. Friends and family admired his deep love and often recalled how fatherhood gave him a renewed sense of purpose. After his child’s birth, Dylan expressed his happiness with a touching message: “Words cannot describe how much more purpose I feel with you in my life!”

Tragically, Dylan’s life was cut short on March 22, just days before his 29th birthday, leaving behind a grieving family and community.

A Battle with Failing Health

Though Dylan had struggled with serious health issues for years, his death came as a shock to those closest to him. Family friend Cheyenne O’Brien described how, despite his prolonged illness, his loved ones were unprepared for his sudden passing.

Dylan’s health began to deteriorate in 2021 when doctors discovered two holes in his lungs. While alarming, the condition was not immediately life-threatening. However, over the following years, his illness worsened dramatically. By mid-2024, medical scans revealed an astonishing 72 holes in his lungs, the result of an aggressive bacterial infection that baffled both his family and doctors.

Escalating Struggles

His sister, Caitlyn Watts, recalled the alarming decline. In mid-2023, Dylan was hospitalized for three weeks after coughing up blood. Doctors warned that without immediate medical intervention, his condition could have been fatal. Despite aggressive treatments and a growing list of medications—so many that Caitlyn described them as filling an entire backpack—his health continued to spiral downward.

Dylan endured relentless symptoms: chronic coughing, severe acid reflux, extreme fatigue, and the mental toll of his illness. In early 2024, he suffered a lung hemorrhage that required another lengthy hospital stay. Even so, Caitlyn remembered his determination: “He was severely unwell yet fighting for his health and optimistic about some kind of recovery.”

Doctors gave a grim prognosis, warning he was unlikely to live past 30. Still, Dylan and his family held onto hope.

His Final Days

In March 2024, Dylan’s mother, Suzanne, brought him home with his beloved puppy, Polar, arranging long-term care to keep him comfortable. Surrounded by family and love, Dylan passed away just five days later.

The sudden loss devastated those around him. His family, already overwhelmed by grief, faced the added burden of organizing his farewell.

Community Support and Legacy

To ease the financial strain, Dylan’s family launched a GoFundMe campaign with a goal of AU$6,000, which quickly raised more than AU$4,600. Supporters rallied around the family, offering donations and words of comfort. Caitlyn wrote on the fundraiser page:

“Let this be a reminder that those you love can be gone in an instant. Hold them close today and tell them you love them. There is a fragility in all of us. He will be forever missed.”

Cheyenne O’Brien also appealed for continued support, emphasizing the weight of both grief and funeral arrangements: “Please donate if you can and share. Thank you from Dylan’s family.”

A Lasting Reminder

Dylan’s story is a powerful reminder of life’s fragility and the importance of love, compassion, and community. Though his time was heartbreakingly short, his devotion as a father, brother, and son leaves a lasting impact. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who loved him, inspiring them to cherish every moment and every connection.