A youth conference organizer who witnessed Alex Salmond collapse during a lunch event in North Macedonia described the moment as one where "time stopped."
Mark Donfried, executive founder and director of the Academy for Cultural Diplomacy (ACD), said Scotland's former first minister was caught by a fellow attendee as he fell backwards in his chair, suspected to have suffered a massive heart attack. Despite efforts to resuscitate him, paramedics were unable to save Salmond, leading to the event’s cancellation.
Tributes have since poured in from across the political spectrum for the former SNP leader, who passed away at the age of 69.
Donfried, speaking from Ohrid, North Macedonia, shared that those attending the event gathered afterward to reflect, give thanks, and offer prayers for Salmond’s life. He remarked, "We are all still in a state of shock, and that is not something we can easily move forward from."
Salmond had been an active member of the ACD, serving as a role model to many young leaders. He had delivered a speech at the conference the previous day and appeared to be in good health and high spirits. However, the following day, during lunch after a panel discussion, Salmond suddenly became ill and lost consciousness.
Donfried rushed to get an ambulance, but by the time he returned, Salmond was on the floor as CPR was being administered. Paramedics arrived, but nothing could be done to save him. The suspected cause of death was an "immediate massive heart attack," and Donfried expressed some solace in knowing that Salmond likely did not suffer.
"Time really stopped," Donfried recalled. "The entire hotel and conference were in shock. Most of the participants were young leaders, and none had ever experienced something like this."
During a reflection later that day, Donfried recited a prayer shared during his late father's funeral to honor Salmond. He described the former first minister as a "great leader who inspired so many," and noted how Salmond's influence extended even to international participants, with Spanish attendees referring to him as a "legend."
Messages of condolence have come from around the world, and the ACD has been in close contact with the British Embassy regarding Salmond’s repatriation, which may involve the Royal Air Force. Donfried concluded by saying, "Our hearts are all going out to Alex's family."
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