Murdered tourist family fly to US

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

Relatives of a personal trainer stabbed to death on holiday are planning to fly to America to bring his body home.

Paul Lavern Ritch, 37, from Roath, Cardiff, was killed early on Sunday morning after a night out with friends in the town of Margate, New Jersey.

American prosecutors believe he died helping a man who was being attacked, and police are hunting his killer.

His older brother Tony and his cousin Jason Konten hope to find out more about the incident outside the bar.

But they said their main priority was to bring home Mr Ritch's body and possessions.

Tributes have poured in to the 37-year-old, who was well known in Cardiff through sporting activities. He worked as a personal trainer and swimming coach at the city's David Lloyd health club.

Mr Ritch - known as Lavern - was once short listed for Company magazine's bachelor of the year and also included in the Wales on Sunday newspaper list of eligible bachelors.

Lavern was a kind hearted fun loving gentleman who was adored by his family Jason Konten, cousin

Mr Konten described his cousin as one of the most "genuine sincere people you would ever encounter", and said his death had come as a "total shock".

"Lavern was a kind hearted fun loving gentleman who was adored by his family," he said.

Mr Konten said it was typical of Lavern to go to the aid of anybody in trouble.

"I think he probably felt as if it was his public duty to prevent somebody getting injured, hurt etc.

"Lavern would do that time and time again."

He added that his cousin "one of the most popular people in Cardiff".

"If you ever met him, (he was) one of the most kind, loving and best people you could possibly meet, ever.

A sketch of a man police want to talk in connection with the death

"That is not how I'd like him to be remembered, its how he will be remembered because that's how everybody feels."

It is believed Mr Ritch had spent Saturday night at restaurants and clubs in Margate, a fairly affluent resort on an island a few miles from Atlantic City.

The sportsman, who was staying with American friends at the time, was declared dead an hour after being taken to hospital. A major crime unit is now investigating.

Police are searching for the murder weapon while the Atlantic County medical examiner's office has confirmed Mr Ritch died from a single stab wound to the heart.

In 1998, Mr Ritch took part in the ITV programme Gladiators.