The Birmingham community is mourning the sudden loss of a popular doorman, who died from a devastating illness just days before he was due to celebrate his 40th birthday.
A Life Cut Tragically Short
David Monteiro, a 39-year-old security guard from Digbeth, passed away in Heartlands Hospital on December 18, 2025, after a rapid battle with meningitis. He had been looking forward to a large party for his milestone birthday on New Year's Day.
Instead, his grieving family are now urgently campaigning to highlight the signs of the deadly infection, after David initially mistook his symptoms for a simple case of sleeping awkwardly.
The Rapid Onset of Symptoms
David experienced what he believed were common aches, including back pain and a stiff neck. Tragically, these were early indicators of meningitis. His condition deteriorated "very suddenly," leading to a swelling on the brain and a seizure.
He was placed into a coma at Heartlands Hospital but did not recover. His youngest sister, Rachel Monteiro, explained the family's shock, stating that none of them, including David, understood the severity of his symptoms until it was too late.
"Within just a few days, this cruel illness took his life," she said.
Tributes and a Campaign for Awareness
In the wake of his death, an outpouring of love has flooded in for the man known as 'Dave', described as a "loving, kind and generous soul." Friends and those he protected on nights out remembered him as a constant, smiling presence who always helped others.
Fran Chapman paid tribute, saying: "RIP Dave, Thank you for being there to keep myself and my daughter safe." Himmat Singh added: "Dave.. a real decent man.. always helped people with a smile."
His family have set up a GoFundMe page to cover funeral costs and raise awareness. By Sunday, January 4, 2026, it had raised nearly £4,000 towards a £5,500 goal. Any excess funds will be donated to the hospital's intensive care unit and a meningitis charity.
Rachel Monteiro urged the public: "Could you recognise the signs of meningitis? My brother, David, couldn’t." The family hope that by sharing their story, they can prevent other similar tragedies.
