Dad dies after daughter's wedding dance

Tim and Jeni Buchanan renewing their vows in 2015 (Jeni Buchanan/Facebook)
Tim and Jeni Buchanan renewing their vows in 2015 (Jeni Buchanan/Facebook)

An American man has died suddenly shortly after finishing a father-daughter dance at her wedding in Costa Rica.

Tim Buchanan, who worked as a detective at the York County Sheriff's office in Rock Hill, South Carolina, collapsed from a heart attack.

His wife Jeni Buchanan has taken to Facebook to share her grief and encourage others to make the most of every moment.

"You never know when the last time will be the last time!

"He was the most beautiful soul I have ever known and I will never be the same without him. I know he loved me and our family."

Mrs Buchanan also shared a photo which was taken during their daughter's wedding.

"I am so very grateful for this image of us that our dear friends Kelly Rae Stewart and her husband snuck during our daughter's wedding yesterday. Little did I know just a few hours later we would lose him."

A fundraising page has been set up for the family by a friend and has raised almost US$15,000.

The description depicts the couple's unbreakable connection.

"If you know Jeni, you know how much Tim means to her, and how wonderful that love is that they share as husband and wife."

The funds will go towards funeral arrangements and allowing Mrs Buchanan to take time off from her wedding photography business.

Newshub.