Evan Hill, a native of Donnybrook, sadly passed away last Friday after experiencing a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage while he was sleeping, reports the Sun.
An online death notice read: “Suddenly from a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage.
“Beloved son of Gemma and Arnie, he will be very sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, his loving brothers David, and fellow triplets Gerard and Peter, together with his extended family and many friends including those from Belvedere College, Old Belvedere RFC and the Atlantic Flight Training Academy in Cork,” reports the Sun.
Evan had only recently finished his pilot training at the Atlantic Flight Training Academy and had successfully carried out his first solo flight at Waterford Airport back in April.
In a heartfelt message, the training academy paid tribute to Evan, calling him a “natural aviator”.
The Cork-based training school shared: “Evan began his training with us in August 2024 and quickly left a lasting impression on everyone he met. Evan remains a highly regarded member of our AFTA family, reports the Sun.
“His dedication, positivity and passion for aviation were evident from the very beginning. He was a natural aviator, and one of the standout moments of his time with us was when he achieved his first solo flight and earned his wings, an accomplishment that reflected both his talent and determination. Evan will be remembered fondly by all who had the privilege of knowing him. He was not only a committed diligent cadet pilot, but he was also a cherished friend and colleague. Evan will be greatly missed by the entire AFTA community,” reports the Sun.
Evan was also known for his sporting talent, having played rugby for Old Belvedere RFC, and his family were closely involved with Kilmacud Crokes GAA club.
The GAA club, based in Stillorgan, described Evan’s death as “heartbreaking and devastating news”, reports the Sun.
They continued: “We extend our heartfelt condolences and sympathies to his devastated parents, Arnie and Gemma, his brother David and his fellow triplets, Gerard and Peter and all their extended family and friends. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time,” reports the Sun.
In a tribute from Old Belvedere Rugby Club, they noted how the Hill family had been a “central” part of the club for “many years.”
Their statement added: “Evan, along with his brothers Peter, David and Gerard all played mini rugby in our club and went on to play U20s and senior rugby. Evan most recently played with the junior section in the 2023-24 season. Evan’s father, Arnie, has been involved in Old Belvedere as a player, a minis coach and when the boys were playing, he acted as medic and a supporter for many teams. Evan’s brothers David and Gerard are currently part of our senior squad,” reports the Sun.
They concluded with: “Our hearts go out to the Hill family on their terrible loss, we wish them the strength to cope with Evan’s sudden passing following a subarachnoid brain haemorrhage.
“Evan and his family will remain in our thoughts,” reports the Sun.
Other friends and mourners have also continued to express their sorrow over Evan’s passing.
One person shared: “He was a lovely guy, always nice to everyone, always had a smile on his face. So sorry to hear of his passing.”
Another tribute read: “There are no words. Life is terribly unfair. Evan sounds like he was a fantastic guy with a bright future ahead. To have that taken away is beyond devastating. We are so so sorry and we are thinking of you all in the weeks and months ahead as you navigate this awful time,” reports the Sun.
A third person commented: “Rest in peace Evan, a handsome young man in the prime of his life,” reports the Sun.
Evan’s body will be reposing at his family home this evening from 5pm until 7pm.
Funeral arrangements are set for Friday morning, with removal to the Church of the Sacred Heart in Donnybrook for an 11am requiem mass, followed by burial at 3:30pm in Rathgormack, Co Waterford.
To honour Evan’s memory, the Atlantic Flight Training Academy has confirmed it will be closed this Friday during his funeral, reports the Sun.
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