The grieving family of a young teenager who tragically lost his life in a drowning incident were told at his funeral that he brought smiles and happiness “every day at school” and was remembered as the “most beautiful boy”, reports The Mirror.
Kofi Jackson Owusu, aged just 15, passed away at a beach in Laytown, Co Meath, on Friday, June 20.
The gifted student and athlete encountered trouble in the River Nanny while spending time with friends, reports The Mirror.
A large crowd gathered at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Dundalk, Co Louth, for a deeply emotional farewell on Friday.
Before the funeral Mass, Kofi’s heartbroken parents Tony and Maria, along with sisters Faith and Esther, expressed that he “will be so missed”, reports The Mirror.
They were joined by extended family, schoolmates from Coláiste Chú Chulainn, teammates from Redeemer Celtic, and mourners including Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill and Dáil Deputy Ruairí Ó Murchú.
Pastor Alex Alajiki of RCCG said “this is a very painful period for us all” and thanked those in attendance for their kindness, which he said “is of great comfort for the family”, reports The Mirror.
Kofi’s sisters, Esther and Faith, gave bible readings, while Coláiste Chú Chulainn principal Thomas Sharkey shared an emotional tribute as school friends brought offerings to the altar.
Mr Sharkey said: “Kofi loved school and school loved Kofi, every one of us. In 2022, he graduated from Redeemer Boys’ National School in Dundalk. Ms Doherty sent us his education passport and we are passing it to the altar. She wrote, ‘Kofi is a central figure within our class’, reports The Mirror.
“He was going to Madrid in October to learn the language and teach them how to play football and for the sunny weather, so we have sunflowers for Kofi.
“Kofi always followed the sun. Where Kofi went, the smiles followed. He brought joy and smiles every day at school, reports The Mirror.
“He came to school every day because he had discipline and because [his mother] Maria made him. He was given an award by Minister of Health Jennifer Carroll MacNeill, who is here today.
“We also present his No. 6 basketball jersey and his Football Association of Ireland medal,” reports The Mirror.
Minister Carroll MacNeill said during the service: “Kofi had a wonderful, far too short, very young life.
“It was my great pleasure and privilege to meet him. Many loved this very fabulous boy. To his family, I am so sorry for your loss. I am truly very sorry for your loss. I thought he was the most beautiful boy. It is wonderful to see how this whole community turned up for you to show their love for you and your son. My heart is with you in these most difficult of days,” reports The Mirror.
A video tribute shown at the service included a Dáil speech by Deputy Ó Murchú, who stated Kofi’s passing reminds us of “the dangers of the water”.
Speaking at the funeral, Deputy Ó Murchú said: “We would all prefer not to be here. Kofi has impacted a huge amount of lives. None of us know how long we’re going to be here, but I would wish for all of us that we would have a life that is as full and as true as Kofi’s,” reports The Mirror.
“My condolences are with you and I am very sorry. You should be very very proud of Kofi. He was really, truly a great young man and we all hope that we can live a life as true as his,” reports The Mirror.
Redeemer Boys’ National School in Dundalk, where Kofi had been a pupil, offered a touching tribute.
They wrote: “At just 15, Kofi touched more lives than many do in a lifetime. We have some wonderful memories of Kofi’s time with us here in RBS. A pupil, a friend, a leader – Kofi was much more than just a student in our school; he was a shining example of kindness, integrity, dedication and positivity,” reports The Mirror.
On the evening of June 20, emergency services were alerted around 6.15pm after Kofi vanished from view in the water. His body was recovered later that night from the River Nanny.
Kofi had recently taken part in an All-Ireland basketball final and also represented his team in a Leinster under-16 soccer final, reports The Mirror.
A fundraiser set up online to cover funeral expenses surpassed its goal of €11,000, raising €12,953 by the afternoon of the funeral.
Kofi was laid to rest at St Patrick’s Cemetery in Dundalk, reports The Mirror.
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