A YOUNG overseas volunteer from Hampshire has died in south-east Asia after suffering with a tropical disease.

University graduate Richard Cann, 24, had been working on the Orangutan Health Project in the western Indonesian island of Sumatra since April.

However, the Daily Echo understands that he collapsed and died following a seizure on Monday.

His parents, Kate and Chris, have flown out to the country.

On Thursday, September 18 Richard posted a message on a social networking site revealing he had caught Dengue-fever, a potentially life-threatening disease transmitted by mosquitoes.

He said: “Have had Dengue fever this last week. Slept solidly for the last four to five days and now feeling on the mend, but maybe next week will be 100 per cent.

“Sitting in 45C heat with no doctors and no air con, doping up on painkillers, hot water for the joints and a cat for cuddles.

“Nothing as dramatic as haemorrhagic fever.

“Should be fine next week. I’m made of tougher stuff.”

It is unclear whether his death was linked to his fever.

Richard was a member of the Royal Southern Yacht Club, based in Hamble, where he had been a junior cadet.

A statement released by the club to its members said: “Richard was on a work placement in north Sumatra when he suddenly suffered a seizure.

“The flag officers and club members send their deepest condolences to his parents, Kate and Chris, and also his brother James.

“We will notify all members of the funeral arrangements when the club is made aware.”

On his Facebook site, Richard posted messages about his adventure of a lifetime, encouraging people to check out the Orangutan Health Project’s website, as well as his important role in the charity’s efforts to protect the endangered primate.

In one post in July, he said: “So I’m in charge of making a presentation. Not just any presentation, but one that’s going to be presented to the International Primate Conference by my boss next Friday on a specific parasite... no pressure then.”

A month later, he says: “Reading scientific papers and making a presentation while sipping rum, feel like I’m back in uni.”

The Orangutan Health Project, which is based in the Sumatran rainforest, could not be contacted as news broke of his death in the UK.

It claims to be the only on-going and long-term orangutan health research project being conducted in the world at this time as it battles for the primate’s survival amid a diminishing rainforest habitats.