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THE FAMILY OF a Limerick teenager who died after a fall from a balcony in Mallorca have described him as a “wonderful young man” and said their hearts are broken by the loss.
Jack Walsh’s family had travelled from their home in Askeaton, West Limerick, to the Balearic island to say their final goodbyes.
The 19-year old triplet’s life-support machine was turned off at Son Espases University Hospital, Spain. He had fallen from a hotel balcony in the early hours of Tuesday, after arriving to the holiday resort to catch up with friends.
Days beforehand he had sat a Leaving Certificate exam paper at Colaiste Mhuire Askeaton and had travelled to Spain to celebrate finishing his studies.
Several sources confirmed the Walsh family had made the devastating decision to turn off his life-support machine yesterday evening, and that all his family, including his triplet sisters Tara and Orla, and parents, Tony and Sandra, had travelled to be with him in his final moments.
The family are now preparing to make funeral arrangements and to repatriate their son’s remains home.
Speaking about their loss, his mother Sandra said their lives will never be the same, but that “the support we have received as a family has been amazing and is a true reflection of what a wonderful young man Jack turned out to be”.
“Jack ticked the donor box on his learner license and it is a comfort knowing people are alive today as a result of Jack’s tragic accident,” she said.
“Thanks to everyone for all the kind words and wishes. Your support is really appreciated at this sad time.
“Our hearts are broken.”
‘A lovely young fella’
Tributes have been pouring in from Jack’s friends and workmates in his native West Limerick.
Jack was working as an apprentice with a Limerick electrical sub contracting company for the past eight months.
On Thursday, his manager Frank McGovern, said everyone was “really devastated” after hearing news of his fall.
He described the popular teen as “top class”, “an excellent worker” and a “lovely young fella.”
McGovern said Jack’s workmates were “very broken up” about the tragedy.
Passing on his “thoughts and prayers” to the Walsh family, he said Jack was “a valued member of the team” who had “a lot of potential”.
Francis Sheehan, Secretary of Askeaton AFC, also paid tribute, describing Jack as a “key player” in their youths soccer side.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his parents, and his sisters,” he added.
Jack’s family are well known in Limerick soccer circles. Tara and Orla Walsh have both played regularly for the Askeaton Ladies soccer team, and Tara recently participated on a soccer scholarship programme at Thomas University Night Hawks, in Thomasville, Georgia.
Jack’s school principal at Colaiste Mhuire Askeaton, Norma O’Brien, said everyone had been “shocked” by the tragic events in Mallorca.
O’Brien said the school has put in place supports for students affected by the tragedy.
She said: “We are supporting (students) in whatever way we can, through our student support teams, and our critical incident plan.”
Jack’s friends who he joined in Mallorca, are also trying to come to terms with their sudden loss.
The group, who flew to the island last Monday, have been helping local police with their investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic events of the night in question, sources said.
Their families have also travelled to Spain to comfort them.
The group, along with Jack, had been due to return home today, Friday 15 June.
“All of the youngsters out there are really upset. I feel sorry for them, it’s so tragic,” said a source.
Heartbreaking. RIP .
More terrible news, very sad for his triplet sisters and parents. This is happening much too often now, just last weekend another young man died in Cyprus. They really need to be much more careful, it cause untold sorrow for far too many. RIP young lads. Others planning on holidays ,please, please be careful out there.
This is so horrific.Poor guy just going to have some fun with his mates.My heart goes out to his family especially his sisters.RIP
I think the Lower the age the lower the floor your put on. For teens anyhow.
This is becoming so common in island getaways the Spanish even have a word for it. It’s quite sad really. Link below.
These resorts need to take every measure to ensure this stops happening. So any lives have been lost on those balconies. A childhood friend lost his life a few years ago and my sister’s friend also died leaning over trying to get someone’s attention too. They need to be enclosed so that air and light can get in but people can’t get out either intentionally or accidentally. Unfortunately people can get very brave and silly when you are going and under the influence as happens quite often in holiday resorts. Condolences to this poor lads family. Tragic this has happened.
Too sad. RIP.
Absolutely tragic and heartbreaking!! My condolences to his family. R.I.P young man. No parents should ever have to bury their children!!
This is becoming so common in island getaways the Spanish even have a word for it. It’s quite sad really.
@Mark English: Who said this young man jumped ? reported as a fall.
@Dexter: tbf it’s almost impossible to fall off most balconies unless you’re climbing or jumping.
Too young to die…. RIP young man
Leaving cert holidays should be banned or parents shouldn’t let them go far too many tragic accidents.Too much exposure to drink and drugs and influence of peer pressure is lethal as a lot of people this age are very immature.
Every parents nightmare. Rip.
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