Two Irish teenagers have died on the Greek island of Ios.
It's understood the boys were on a Sixth-Year holiday on the island celebrating the end of the Leaving Cert.
They were both students at St Michael’s College in Dublin, with the school describing the tragedy as a “day of immense sadness”.
The school announced the death of 18-year-old Andrew O'Donnell earlier today after his body was discovered on the Greek island. A few hours later, it announced that his schoolmate Max Wall had also died.
SAD NEWS
We are now aware of a double tragedy abroad.
Please reach out to your friends, family and ourselves if needs be at this sad time.
Our prayers are with you all class of ‘23, your families and friends. pic.twitter.com/i0XQbkvzeP
— St Michael's College Union (@StMichaelsColl1) July 2, 2023
“On a day of immense sadness for the school, we have been notified of another devastating loss from the class of 2023, with the passing of Max Wall,” St Michael’s said in a statement.
“Max was a constant source of positivity, encouragement and fun for all of those around him.
“He was extremely popular with staff and students alike, and a fantastic supporter of our teams during the various cup campaigns.
Earlier, the school described Andrew as, “not only a popular classmate and friend, but a proud and committed member of our football team”.
It said he was “kind to those around him, honest in all of his endeavours” and a “great brother” to his younger sibling who is still studying at the school.
Thoughts with families & friends. https://t.co/ngYW8zWN1x
— Andy Skehan (@andyskehan) July 2, 2023
In a post online, the school’s Director of Rugby and Head Coach Andy Skehan said it was an “almost inconceivable day of tragedy for everyone associated with St Michaels College, past or present.”
“Too sad to make sense of or comprehend,” he said. “Thoughts with families & friends.”
The wider Leinster Rugby family and the @OLSCRugby is in shock as we deal with the information coming home today.
Thoughts with the families and friends of the young men gone far too soon.
Look after each other and hold your loved ones that little bit tighter.
💙💙💙
— Leinster Rugby (@leinsterrugby) July 2, 2023
Leinster Rugby said: "The wider Leinster Rugby family is in shock as we deal with the information coming home today."
“Thoughts with the families and friends of the young men gone far too soon,” it said. “Look after each other and hold your loved ones that little bit tighter.
St Michael’s said school staff are available to assist any students following the tragic news and offered contact information for any student seeking support.
The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the deaths and is providing consular assistance to the families
