'Shocking loss' - son of Laois woman among two students dead in Greece
The Laois community is among those in shock and grief, at the death last weekend of two Leaving Cert Dublin students in Greece.
In a tragic coincidence following the death of another young Laois man in Greece last week, one of the Dublin students has a Laois parent.
The news of the death of two students of St Michael’s College in Ballsbridge, Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall, both 18, was described by their school as “one of the darkest we have ever experienced”.
Andrew O'Donnell had turned 18 on the day he began his Leaving Cert exams on June 7.
He is a beloved son of Bebhinn Dunne, a Laois native from Upper Forest, Mountmellick, now living in Dublin. He has many relatives living in Laois.
Andrew had been reported missing the night before at 9pm earlier by a friend, who was with him until 1.30am early Saturday morning in Hora, where they had been socialising. While making their way back to their accommodation on foot, the two became separated.
A spokesman of the Southern Aegean regional police directorate said that his body was found by police at around 10.30am local time on Sunday, July 2 on rocks in a field outside the island’s main town of Hora. His body showed signs of having fallen but it was unclear whether the fall had been from a height.
St Michael's College announced the tragedies on their website on Sunday, first Andrew's then Max's later the same day.
"We have learned of the tragic passing of Andrew O’Donnell, a member of our recently graduated class of 2023.
"Andrew was not only a popular classmate and friend, but a proud and committed member of our football team. He was kind to those around him, honest in all of his endeavours, and a great brother to Rory (Transition Year). Andrew will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him.
"Our thoughts are with Andrew’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time."
"On a day of immense sadness for the school, we have been notified of another devastating loss from the class of 2023, with the passing of Max Wall. Max was a constant source of positivity, encouragement and fun for all of those around him. He was extremely popular with staff and students alike, and a fantastic supporter of our teams during the various cup campaigns (as well as a great brother to past pupil, Charlie).
"Our thoughts are with Max’s family at this awful time and with his friends who have experienced such shocking loss over the last 24 hours."
The spokesman said Max Wall was found unconscious by a member of the public near the island’s port at around 2pm. The emergency services were informed and he was transferred to hospital by ambulance, where he was pronounced dead.
Greek police have begun two separate investigations into the deaths.
The tragedy comes just a week after the death in Greece of Laois student Rory Deegan, 22. Rory from Cullohill died from suspected drowning while on a working holiday in Zakynthos. His funeral takes place this Tuesday, July 3. Details above.