Cork, Ireland – January 6, 2024 – A 20-year-old University College Cork (UCC) student died unexpectedly over the weekend while on a ski trip in the French Alps, sending shockwaves through his community.
Student’s Death During Ski Trip Stuns Irish Town
The tragedy unfolded during a trip with a cork-based skiing and snowboarding group.
- The student, from tower near Blarney, was identified by local officials.
- He passed away on Saturday while skiing with friends in the French alps.
- The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is assisting the family with bringing his remains home.
- The community is deeply saddened by the loss of a well-known and liked young man.
What happens when a young person dies abroad? The process of repatriating a body can be complex and costly, often requiring the assistance of specialized organizations like the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust to navigate logistical and financial hurdles.
The UCC student, a resident of Tower, near Blarney, was enjoying a ski holiday with a group from Cork when he fell ill and died on Saturday, according to reports. Local Fine Gael councillor Damian Boylan described the community’s reaction as one of profound shock.
“Everyone was shocked at the news – the lad was well known and well liked and would have been very involved with Blarney Utd so there’s a real sadness about the place today,” Boylan saeid. “It’s every parent’s worst nightmare for something like this to happen and away from home and all – it is so sad – my deepest sympathies are with his family.”
Boylan confirmed that the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is currently working to facilitate the return of the student’s body to Cork as quickly as possible, offering crucial support to the grieving family during this incredibly difficult time.