Community left numbed by death of teenager in workplace accident in Kilkenny

A tightknit community in Kilkenny has been “left numbed” by the death of a local teenager.

Luke Crosby, 17, died on a construction site near the North Kilkenny village of Freshford on Thursday afternoon, June 27. He had just completed his Leaving Certificate at the nearby Colaiste Mhuire Vocational school in Johnstown just a week earlier. Staff and students at the school have been left shocked by the incident.

It is believed that Luke was working on the construction of a relative’s house when the tragedy occurred. Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the incident and Gardaí subsequently confirmed that a male youth, in his teens, later passed away at the scene. Gardaí have also stated that the Health and Safety Authority “has been notified and will conduct its own investigation”.

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Sending his condolences to the family, the Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, Councillor Michael McCarthy, who is from Freshford, said that the village and the wider community are in “a state of shock” and are “numbed” following the incident.

Councillor McCarthy, who also knows the family, added that “it’s incredibly sad”.

“The family are well-known and respected in the area and our thoughts and prayers are with them at this incredibly difficult time,” he said.

“All we can do now is offer our support as a community at this time. I am sure that there will be numerous people stepping forward at this time.”

McCarthy also called on the media to respect the family’s privacy at this very difficult time. Luke is survived by his parents, Kathleen and Nigel, brothers Hakim and Jack and sister Zoe. No funeral arrangements have yet been made.

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