Two teenage classmates have died in separate incidents on a holiday to Greece to celebrate the end of the school year. Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wal, both 18, tragically passed away on the island of Ios.
The pair were on a trip with a large group who were celebrating after recently leaving St Michael’s College in Dublin. But the holiday turned to tragedy with the pair both losing their lives, which their former school described as a "devastating loss".
Andrew is believed to have lost his life in a tragic accident when became separated from pals when making their way home after a night out on Saturday. Sadly, his body was found on Sunday morning in a field and showed indications that he had suffered a fall., Dublin Live reports.
Max is understood to have passed away from natural causes. He was found unconscious near the port area on Ios. Efforts were made to revive him, but he was sadly pronounced dead in hospital.
The other friends still on the island have been left devastated, with locals rallying around them in their grief. Their school issued two separate statements just hours apart on the deaths describing it as a "day of immense sadness for the school".
In their first statement, St Michael's said: “We have learned of the tragic passing of Andrew O’Donnell, a member of our recently graduated class of 2023. Andrew was not only a popular classmate and friend, but a proud and committed member of our football team. He was kind to those around him, honest in all of his endeavours.
“Andrew will be sorely missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him. Our thoughts are with Andrew’s family and friends at this extremely difficult time.”
Their second statement added: "We have been notified of another devastating loss from the class of 2023, with the passing of Max Wall. 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. Our thoughts are with Max’s family at this awful time and with his friends who have experienced such a shocking loss over the last 24 hours.”
St Michael’s say they have put in a number of supports for students who have been affected by the loss. The Minister for Higher Education in Ireland, Simon Harris, said: “Devastating news emerging from Greece.
“Thinking of the families & friends of Andrew and Max and all Leaving Cert students abroad in Greece who were enjoying holidays after exams and are now encountering such shock and pain and grief. I know we all hold them in our hearts tonight.”
Leinster Rugby posted on social media following the news and said: “The wider Leinster Rugby family and the @OLSCRugby [Leinster supporters] 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.”
The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing consular assistance.
Andrew and Max’s deaths was the third of a young Irishman within a week in Greece. Rory Deegan, from Cullahill in Co. Laois, died on the island of Zakynthos on Sunday, June 25. The 22-year-old, who was there with a large group of pals, was found unresponsive in a pool.
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