THE “heartbroken” family of a 12-year-old girl who died in a Tipperary drowning incident have confirmed her funeral details.
Freya Tobin passed away on Friday evening after getting into difficulty swimming in the River Suir at Newcastle.
Although a pal made it back to shore safely, tragic Freya remained in the water prompting a multi-agency response.
Gardai, ambulance services, firefighters, and a Coast Guard helicopter joined the search.
Although the young girl was located, she was unresponsive and airlifted to Cork University Hospital in serious condition, where she later passed away.
The popular young girl will be laid to rest on Wednesday at Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Newcastle at 12pm.
Burial will take place afterwards in the Mollough cemetery.
She is survived by her heartbroken mother Shannen, dad Eddie and his family, brothers Grayson and Eddie, sister Stephanie Lee, grandparents Nanna Triona & her partner Tom, Grandad OJ & his partner Colleen.
And she will be “deeply missed” by her many friends, especially her best friends Sean, Emily and Charlotte.
Those close to Freya have described their “unimaginable nightmare” in an emotional statement, issued on behalf of the grieving family on GoFundMe.
They said: “In what can only be described as a tragic and utterly devastating event, our beloved Freya drowned in the River Suir while swimming with her dear friend Emily.
“Freya was the kindest, most gentle soul to grace the community of Newcastle. There wasn’t a single person who did not know her name, nor whom she wouldn’t have said hello to when passing through the village.
“She touched the hearts of every single person that had the pleasure of knowing her, and you couldn’t help but leave her company with a smile on your face.”
They mentioned how “her presence was magnetic” and was shown by how many friends she made for herself in the local community and beyond.
The GoFundMe campaign is appealing for the community to come together and help the grieving Tobin family cover the costs of Freya’s funeral.
‘GREATLY MISSED’
Her tragic death sent shockwaves within the community and beyond as tributes continue to pour in for the “beautiful young lady”.
Freya, who had just graduated from sixth class at local Scoil Mhuire National School in Newcastle, where she was President of the Student Council, was remembered by the school’s principal as “a kind and spirited young person”.
Claire Moloney said: “We are deeply saddened by these events. Our thoughts and prayers are now with Freya’s family and friends.
“Freya had a gentle way of making others feel seen and included.
“Whether it was through a kind word in the playground, a helping hand in the school, her trojan work as President of our Student Council or simply a smile that lifted spirits, she made a lasting impression on everyone she met and will be greatly missed by all who had the privilege to know her.”
A heartbroken mourner wrote: “Such a beautiful young lady what an awful tragedy. No words can heal your pain or loss, rest in peace.
“Heaven has gained a beautiful angel may all your memories be some comfort to you at this extremely sad time.”
Another person added: “Rest in peace beautiful girl, love and prayers to your heartbroken family. ‘Like a brilliant beam of sunlight that lights up a room, gone too soon’.
“May the choir of angels sing thee to thy rest Freya. Safe in the arms of Jesus.”
