Guard of honour to be held for two teenagers who died in Waterford e-scooter tragedy

The funerals of Gilbert Collins (15) and Abuzwa Idris (17) take place in Waterford as the city admitted it was “shaken to the core” by the tragedy.

Both teens suffered fatal injuries after the e-scooter they were riding was in collision with a bus early last Thursday morning on the Cork Road, a short distance from the South East Technological University (SETU) campus.

Gilbert Collins will remain in repose at Tom Hennessy’s funeral home in Johnston, Waterford from 5pm to 7pm on Monday.

Prayers will be said at 12 noon on Tuesday followed by Gilbert’s removal to Kilbarry Cemetery in Ballybeg for burial.

Gilbert is survived by his heartbroken parents, Bobby and Ronke, and his siblings, Albert, Marvellous and Precious.

The Collins family said that they greatly appreciate the “sympathy, support and understanding (of the community) at this difficult time”.

Funeral arrangements for Abuzwa Idris have not, as yet, been publicly confirmed but he is expected to be laid to rest over the next 48 hours.

Waterford sports clubs and schools will provide guards of honour for the two youngsters.

Hundreds attended a special vigil in Waterford last weekend to honour the two teens with blue and white balloons being released following a ceremony in Ballybeg attended by their relatives.

The Mayor of Waterford City and County, Councillor Jason Murphy, expressed his sympathies to the bereaved families and the former classmates and clubmates of the two teens.

Councillor Murphy opened a book of condolence at Waterford City Hall for the local community to express their support for the grieving families.

“Our hearts go out to the families and friends affected by this devastating loss. We can only imagine what both families are going through – for two young boys to die at such a young age,” he said.

Gilbert Collins (15) of Ardmore Park, Waterford died at the scene of the collision at 2.10am on Thursday along the R680 Cork Road in Waterford.

His friend, Abuzwa Idris (17) of Crystal Mews on the Cork Road was taken to University Hospital Waterford in Ardkeen in the aftermath of the crash.

He was subsequently transferred to Cork University Hospital where, despite desperate efforts by doctors to stabilise his condition, he died on Thursday afternoon.

The youngsters were returning from a gym which operates 24/7 when the fatal collision occurred.

The bus driver of the private coach was not injured in the incident but was treated at the scene for shock.

Abuzwa, who was known as Avu, played with Villa Football Club in Waterford.

In a statement Villa FC spoke of its huge shock at the death of their promising U-17 player.

“Avu has played for the club for a number of years and was not only a very good player, but above all was a really nice young lad who always had a smile on his face.

“He loved football, playing with the club and his team mates and only recently took huge pleasure as he and his team won the Under 17 Cup Final.

“The club would like to pass on its deepest condolences to his family and friends at this really difficult time. Our thoughts are also with the coaches and teammates that Avu has had in his time in Villa.”

The club also offered its condolences to the family of Gilbert Collins.

“Sometimes life just isn’t fair and this is one of those occasions.”

Meanwhile, Waterford Crystal Football Club paid tribute to its talented player Gilbert in a statement.

Club officials indicated that there was a palpable sense of shock following the death of Gilbert and his friend.

“To say everyone at Waterford Crystal is hugely shocked and saddened at the news that came through yesterday of the tragic passing of Gilbert Collins would be a massive understatement.

“Gilbert played for the club at various age groups and was part of our U16 squad this season.

“Gilbert was a very good player, teammate and friend but was also a nice lad. The club would like to pass on its deepest condolences to his family and friends at this really difficult time. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time.

“Our thoughts are also with coaches, teammates and other friends that Gilbert had in his time in Waterford Crystal. We would also like to pass on our condolences to the family of Avu Idris who also lost his life in this tragic accident.”

Counselling and support services are being made available to classmates and friends of the boys.

Abuzwa had just completed his Leaving Certificate at De La Salle College in Waterford whilst Gilbert attended St Paul’s Community College in Lisduggan.

Councillor Eamon Quinlan, said that the loss of the youngsters was a “terrible tragedy”.

He expressed concern about the increase in popularity of e-scooters.

“The laws are there. We need to start enforcing them. Everyday I am seeing more and more e-scooters out there. It is a Waterford tragedy today but it will be felt in every county going forward if this continues as it is.”

Councillor Quinlan said those aged under 16 years are not supposed to use e-scooters in public areas but he said he has seen those as young as ten years driving them at speed.

Waterford Gardaí are investigating the precise circumstances of the tragedy and will prepare a file for the Waterford Coroner.

An inquest into the tragedy will be held next year.

Investigating officers are appealing for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Waterford Garda Station on 051 305300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.