Karl Gabriel, a former driver for Gems Taxis and TQ12 Taxis in Newton Abbot, died last month. On 15 October 2026 Ugur Kucuk of Gems Taxis opened a GoFundMe appeal for Gabriel's partner, Linda. The page showed £1,076 raised from 26 donations, towards a £3,000 target. Those totals are the organiser's figures.
Ugur Kucuk wrote: "Hi my name is Gem and I am fundraising for Karl Gabriel.
"Many of you will remember Karl as a former driver for Gems Taxis and TQ12 Taxis, where he became a familiar face within our local community.
"Sadly, Karl has passed away, and we would like to come together to support his partner, Linda, during this incredibly difficult time.
"We are asking for donations to help ease the financial burden and give Linda some support as she navigates the loss of someone so special to her. Any contribution, no matter how big or small, would mean so much."
The same page asks people who cannot give to share the appeal, and asks the community to show Linda that she is not alone.
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Dawlish Today reported on Friday 6 November 2026 that TQ12 Taxis had shared the appeal and was asking customers who knew Gabriel to support it. The firm's post described him as a reliable and much-loved taxi driver, always up for a laugh and a joke with his customers, who will be greatly missed. Replies expressed shock and sadness. One remembered a man who was always ready for a chat and a laugh. Others wrote that they had known him for years, and sent condolences to his family.