Irish college students ‘completely traumatised’ as deaths of two classmates on Greek island investigated
Greek police are investigating the deaths of two Irish youngsters who have been celebrating the tip of their college exams on the island of Ios.
The bodies of Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall, each 18, have been found on Sunday, and it’s believed that the youngsters died in separate incidents.
Andrew O’Donnell went lacking after an evening out on Friday, and his physique was discovered on rocky floor early on Sunday morning. It is assumed he might have suffered accidents according to a fall.
Separately, Max Wall was discovered unconscious within the port space on Sunday afternoon.
Post-mortem examinations are due within the coming days.
Both younger males have been latest graduates of St Michael’s College in Dublin.
Up to 100 college students from the varsity have been on Ios to have fun finishing the end-of-school Leaving Certificate, together with lots of of scholars from different Irish colleges.
On Monday, bouquets of flowers have been being left on the gates of the St Michael’s campus within the Ballsbridge space.
‘Absolutely devastated’
The college’s principal Tim Kelleher mentioned the varsity was “absolutely devastated, the entire community is reeling with the news over the last 24 hours”, and mentioned representatives of the father or mother affiliation had flown to the Greek island to assist the households.
Mr Kelleher described Andrew as a “fantastic young man, great sportsman, fantastic footballer” who was academically shiny and was wanting ahead to his vacation and to attending faculty.
Max, he mentioned, was “very bright”, “passionate about rugby” and had “the world at his feet”.
“Unfortunately both families got the news yesterday that their future had been taken from them and we’re obviously devastated for them, their family and friends, and we’re here to help and support in any way we can in the next days and weeks,” he instructed RTE Radio.
Mr Kelleher mentioned the group of classmates who had been on vacation with them are “absolutely traumatised” and are on their means house.
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The Spiritan Education Trust, patrons of St Michael’s College, expressed its condolences to the households of the youngsters.
In an announcement, it mentioned: “Our thoughts are with the parents and families of these two young men who today are suffering immeasurable loss.
“We prolong our deepest sympathy and assist to their grieving households, to all of their wider circle of buddies and fellow classmates who will probably be mourning their passing and to the Board of Management, the varsity leaders and all our colleagues on the workers of St Michael’s College.”
A spokesperson for Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs mentioned it was conscious of each instances and is offering consular help, however declined to remark additional.