Tributes paid to ‘lovely’ teen (17) who died in Cavan workplace tragedy

The teenager has been named locally as Reece Donohue (17) who was from Upper Main Street, Kilnaleck, in Co Cavan.

The fatal incident occurred at the Wilton site at Kifagh, near Ballyjamesduff shortly after 4.30pm on Thursday June 13th.

Gardaí and emergency services attended, but the 17-year-old worker was pronounced deceased at the scene.

His body was removed from the scene to the mortuary in Cavan General Hospital and a post-mortem examination was subsequently carried out. The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) were also notified, and a file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.

In a statement, a spokesperson for Wilton Waste said: “The company offers their deepest condolences to the employee’s family at this very sad time.

“As a mark of respect, the company has decided to close the gates until further notice.”

Local Fine Gael Councillor Trevor Smith said the people of the wider Kilnaleck area are shocked and saddened by this awful tragedy.

He described the deceased was a “popular young lad”, and that the local community in Kilnaleck and surrounding areas were reeling in “shock” from the news.

He added “I’m sure the local community will support Reece’s family in any way they can,” said Cllr Smith, who also expressed his deepest sympathies to the teenager’s family.

Another local who knew the family described Reece as ‘’A lovely young man who never caused a fuss’’.

While another described him as ‘’a lad that any mother would be proud to have as your son’’.

Reece, who was a pupil at Saint Clare’s College in Ballyjamesduff in Cavan, is survived by his parents Mary and Brian and siblings Jade, Amber and Niall.

His funeral is planned for Tuesday at St. Patrick’s Church, Kilnaleck at noon.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána said they will now prepare a file for the Coroner’s Court.

“Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a fatal workplace accident at a premises in Cavan yesterday afternoon, 13th June 2024 shortly after 4.30pm.

“A 17-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body has been removed from the scene to the mortuary in Cavan. A post-mortem will take place in due course.

“The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been notified. A file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.”