An investigation is underway into the deaths of two teenagers who died while on holiday on the Greek island of Ios.
Andrew O’Donnell, 18, went missing after leaving his home on Friday night and his body was found Sunday morning in a rocky area. It is believed that he may have fallen, reports RTE.
Max Wall, 18, died hours later in the island’s harbour. Three years ago, he underwent successful heart surgery.
Both students passed their final exams last month.
Their bodies are expected to be autopsied tomorrow in Athens before being repatriated in the following days.
Around 90 students from St Michael’s College Dublin were with hundreds of other Irish students after their certificate holidays, reports RTE.
The headmaster of St Michael’s College said the school community was “completely devastated” by the death of two pupils while on holiday on the Greek island of Ios.
Principal Tim Kelleher said the school is open and support and counseling services are available.
Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, he said: “We are heartbroken. We have a very tight-knit community and these are two fantastic young men with their lives ahead of them. Bright, sporting, academic men who had their whole life ahead of them and looking forward to this particular trip for months on end and the planning had been ongoing, not just in our school but in lots of other schools. So, I think there are hundreds and hundreds of families this morning plunged into deep, deep sadness because of what has occurred. And again we are reeling with it,” reports RTE.
Max Wall also died yesterday on a Greek island.
Mr Kelleher said the school expects a large number of Ios boys to return in the next 48 hours and support will be provided to those who need it.
He described Andrew as “a fantastic young man, great sportsman, fantastic footballer, played rugby in his club in his younger years and was involved and a huge supporter of the school in all facets. Academically bright and … looking forward to his holiday, looking forward to going to college and a very, very bright future,” reprots RTE.
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheál Martin has sent his sympathy to the families.
In a post on Twitter, he said: “My deepest sympathies to the families of Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall on the very sad loss of their beloved sons. My thoughts and prayers are with all of the St Michael’s College community, their friends and classmates,” reports RTE.
In a statement, The Spiritan Education Trust, patrons of St Michael’s College said: “Over the weekend the Spiritan Education family were shocked and deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of two young men, Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall, recent past students of St Michael’s College, Ailesbury Road. Our thoughts are with the parents and families of these two young men who today are suffering immeasurable loss. We extend our deepest sympathy and support to their grieving families, to all in their wider circle of friends and fellow classmates who will be mourning their passing and to the Board of Management, the school leaders and all our colleagues on the staff of St Michael’s College,” reports RTE.
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