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A screengrab from Room To Improve. RTÉ

'What a privilege to have known this amazing young man': Tributes paid to popular teen who has died aged 15

Michael Stokes had been fostered by his teacher Ann Higgins and her husband Barry.

Updated 7.59pm

A TEENAGE BOY who featured on RTÉ’s Room To Improve has died following a fall.

Michael Stokes (15) passed away at Temple Street Children’s Hospital after an accident.

The teenager featured on the show in 2016 as architect Dermot Bannon attempted to transform his foster parents’ home to suit his needs.

Stokes had been fostered by his teacher Ann Higgins and her husband Barry.

He appeared on the Late Late earlier this year and spoke with Tubridy about his new home.

He said at the time: “I knew Ann because she was my teacher and I met Barry at my communion party. I have my own bed, I have my own desk. I love everything, everything is at my level.”

Michael will be reposing at home in Malahide on Tuesday from 4pm to 7pm.

Tributes have been paid to the teenager.

In an Instagram post this evening, Bannon called it a “privilege” to have known “this amazing young man”.

St Michael’s House, which provides services for people with intellectual disabilities in Ireland, released a statement after his passing.

“We are very sad to give Michael Stokes to the angels this weekend. He was a treasure to all who knew him in St.Michaels House.Sincere sympathies to his loving family from our Board, staff and all his friends.”

A statement from the Central Remedial Clinic read: “The CRC is devastated to hear of the passing of one our students Michael Stokes, he was a ray of sunshine and much loved by everyone.

“A light has gone out. May he rest in absolute. An inspiration.”

His death notice read: “Removal on Wednesday to the Church of the Sacred Heart, Seabury, Malahide arriving for 10 o’clock funeral mass followed by burial in Dardistown Cemetery. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Temple Street Hospital.”
https://www.facebook.com/thelatelateshow/videos/1769888596395419/

With reporting from Sean Murray

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Garreth MacNamee
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