An Irish community has been left in shock after the sudden death of a young Dublin teenager on Tuesday.
Killian Burnett from Finglas who was described as a "cheeky chappie" tragically passed away following an asthma attack.
Tributes have poured in for the 15-year-old as his family struggle to come to terms with his untimely death.
READ MORE: Sandra Boyd: Man charged in connection with fatal shooting of mum-of-five in Finglas
Speaking to Dublin Live, the popular teenager's uncle said: "He was a cheeky chappie.
"He's like any teenager. He used to go around carol singing at Christmas, and he couldn't even sing!
"He'd come home and say, 'Uncle Darren, I'm after earning this money from carol singing'. Or he'd ask anybody coming out of the shop, 'Can I take your trolley back for the euro?'
"He was a good businessman. He was a good kid. He was a quiet kid, and he would hate you to argue with him."
Killian's family said he has been suffering from recurrent asthma attacks over the past year and had been admitted to Temple Street Children's Hospital on numerous occasions.
Darren said: "Only a few weeks ago, they resuscitated him twice. In fact, yesterday would be the third time he'd been resuscitated."
Killian's parents had taken him to a long-awaited hospital appointment after he had been on a waiting list for three years. However, when they arrived, they were told the appointment had been cancelled.
Darren said: "They said they had contacted the father the night before to tell them, and his dad said, 'nobody rang me. What number do you have?'
"It was a completely different number, but nobody had contacted him. That was the exam he needed to find out what was wrong with his chest, and it was cancelled after three years."
Darren said the last few months had been especially tough on Killian, who was "afraid to go to sleep at night".
He said: "His dad had to sleep in the room with him because of the amount of attacks he was having. They were just recurring constantly.
"Yesterday was the first time he himself screamed at his dad to call an ambulance. He knew it was bad."
Darren said he didn't blame the healthcare workers who were under severe pressure due to an overloaded system but said he was shocked when Killian was sent home an hour after being defibrillated in hospital a few weeks previous.
He said: "It's just unbelievable. There have been mistakes made, I'm sure of it with the healthcare system.
"We can't pinpoint or blame one person. They're struggling at the minute, but this was 100% avoidable."
Numerous tributes have been made to the young teen on social media.
In a Facebook post, the Finglas Youth Resource Centre said: "Absolutely devastated to hear of the passing of Killian Burnett, You will be missed by all of us in the centre. We had some good times some great trips, you kept us on our toes but always had a great smile and never failed to make us laugh. There has been so much loss recently it is important to always remember that staff are available to talk and provide support, we don't have all the answers but we are here to listen. Counselling services are available in the community and the centre so please get in touch."
Killian's school, New Cross College, said: "As a school community we come together to remember Killian Burnett, one of our 3rd year students who sadly passed away this morning. We are thinking of all his family, and friends at this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers."
In an emotional tribute, Killian's brother Aaron said: "Cant believe im actually writing this i kove you more than you could ever know my little twin you were the best little brother anyone could ask for you will always be my little pal killian its not a goodbye its see you soon little bro ill never ever forget you little man".
Killian will be laid to rest on Monday.
READ MORE: Tributes to mum-of-five who died in Dublin shooting as gardai continue investigation
READ MORE: Tragic Finglas victim Sandra Boyd 'shot by accident' as Gardai continue manhunt in awful incident
Get breaking news to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter.
