Tourist is stabbed to death in US

Lavern Ritch was on a two-week holiday in the US

A 37-year-old man once shortlisted for Company magazine's bachelor of the year has died after being stabbed while on holiday on the east coast of the USA.

It is believed Paul Lavern Ritch was attacked when he intervened in a street robbery in New Jersey on Sunday.

The swimming instructor and personal trainer from Roath, Cardiff, died after being stabbed in the chest.

Friends of Mr Ritch, known as Lavern, said it would be typical of him to have a go if he saw someone in trouble.

The stabbing happened early on Sunday in Margate, a resort town on an island a few miles from Atlantic City.

It is understood Mr Ritch worked in the US from time to time, but he was on a two-week holiday when he was killed.

Fit, funny and fantastic Neighbour of Lavern Ritch

He had been with friends on Saturday and then had dinner in Margate.

The stabbing happened at about 0200 (0700 BST) on Sunday.

Mr Ritch was taken to Atlanticare Medical Centre in Atlantic City, but he could not be revived and was pronounced dead about an hour later.

The Atlantic County Prosecutor's Office is carrying out an inquiry through its major crime unit.

There has been a thorough search for the murder weapon but none has so far been found.

ITV Gladiators

Mr Ritch worked at the David Lloyd health club in Cardiff which has announced it will open a book of condolence on Tuesday morning for members and staff to sign. A photograph will also be on display.

He was also a well-known clubber on the London and Cardiff scenes.

Five years ago Mr Ritch was voted 12th most eligible bachelor in Wales in the Wales on Sunday newspaper, when he said "lots of swimming" helped him keep in shape.

The following year he was shortlisted for Company magazine's title of Bachelor of the Year.

In 1998, he took part in the ITV programme Gladiators where he won his first round heat before being knocked out in the quarter-final.

Mr Ritch's family, who live in Fairwater, Cardiff, were being comforted by relatives who gathered at their home.

Neighbours said they were a "wonderful family who'd do anything to help anybody".

One neighbour described Mr Ritch as "fit, funny and fantastic", while friends said it would be typical of him "to have a go if he saw somebody in trouble".

Relatives have also been visited by a family liaison officer from South Wales Police.

"It is believed he was stabbed in the chest as he tried to intervene after witnessing an incident in the street, " said a police spokeswoman.