TRIBUTES have been paid to a teen who tragically died after drowning while swimming with pals in Meath yesterday.
Talented footballer Kofi Owusu, 15, has been remembered as a “gentle giant” as his club declared: “We are heartbroken.”
His body was recovered from the River Nanny in Laytown, Co Meath, on Friday night — three hours after the alarm was raised.
Kofi, who also went by the surname of Jackson, became the second teenager to lose his life in the water this week.
Kofi was with friends enjoying the hot weather in the water near Laytown Beach when tragedy struck.
A member of the public called emergency services at around 6.15 pm and a major search got underway involving the Irish Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter the Drogheda Coast Guard.
At around 9.30pm, a body was recovered from the water following the operation.
Kofi was from the Blackrock area of Dundalk and had travelled from the northeast town to Laytown with his pals.
In an emotional post by his football club Redeemer Celtic, they lay two No 6 jerseys and flowers on their pitch in his memory.
In a post on social media, the club said: “We are Heartbroken. Closed until further notice.”
Tributes have been paid by club members, with one saying: “RIP Kofi. Thinking of his family, friends and teammates. Absolutely devastating news. A lovely kid and a gentle giant.” Another said: “Rip Kofi, you’ll be missed pal.”
Colaiste Chu Chulainn Principal Thomas Sharkey also paid tribute, saying the school community was “heartbroken” by the teen’s death.
He also described Kofi as “a fine young man, a very kind, a very caring and a very diligent student”.
He added: “He’s an excellent sportsman. He had just played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16.
“He finished his Junior Cert exams only 10 days ago, and his older sister was a past pupil of our school. Kofi and his family are in all of our thoughts.”
SCHOOL SUPPORT
Mr Sharkey also said that the school will be there to support its students at this difficult time.
He added: “The school community are being supported by the Department of Education and Youth, and the National Education Psychological Service.
“The school will be opening to give an opportunity to students and staff alike to come together and to support each other and to remember Kofi at this very, very sad time.”
A post-mortem will take place at Navan Hospital before Kofi’s remains are returned to his family for a funeral service.
“He’s an excellent sportsman. He had just played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16.”
Thomas Sharkey
Cllr Sharon Tolan told how the community was “devastated” over the incident as she passed on her condolences to the young lad’s family and friends.
She told the Irish Sun: “I think it’s just support for the family and friends and everybody that was there that’s needed. That’s the most helpful at the moment is to do that, you know, just share our condolences.”
Junior Minister and Meath East TD Thomas Byrne said it was “devastating to hear of the tragic death”.
‘HEART GOES OUT TO FAMILY’
He added: “My heart goes out to his family, friends, all those who were around Laytown tonight, and all who are grieving.
“A summer moment has turned into an incalculable loss.”
Gardai said they were aware of videos of this incident in circulation but urged people not to share them.
It is the second such tragedy in a week after 17-year-old Peter Byrne died in the River Burrow on Tuesday.
The funeral for the young lad from Carlow town is due to take place on Monday morning.
Tributes have been paid to Kofi Owusu who sadly died while swimming in Meath[/caption]
