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Tragic Swimming Accident Claims Life of 14-Year-Old Boy in Cork

Published 08/26/2023, 6:43 AM EDT

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An afternoon at the beach always promises to be a joyful event but turned tragic for the family of a 14-year-old after a swimming accident. The unfortunate incident took place on Thursday and the entire community of Passage West was devastated upon hearing the news.

Authorities identified the 14-year-old- boy as Jack O’Sullivan, a resident of Togher, a locality in the southern part of Cork city. The incident happened when Jack was swimming off the boat pontoon at the Passage West with his friends, on a bright Thursday afternoon.

What went wrong?

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It is here that he got into a mess according to his friends, who immediately signaled for help after they could not catch a sight of him. His friend rushed to look for him in the water and a local who also witnessed it all unfold, joined their search party.

The rescue operation lasted about two hours, and the team toiled hard to search for the body. They recovered it at around 4pm and took his body to the Cork University Hospital.

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Collective grief in Passage West

The community of Passage West is close-knit and each member is treated like family. The news of Jack’s passing certainly left all members shattered and there is a deep sense of sadness. Speaking to the media, local councilor Marcia D’Alton said,

“This is a close-knit community and there is a deep sense of sadness hanging over us like a cloud. Everyone is thinking of the family who received such terrible news, and we are praying for them.”

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“The emergency services were stunningly efficient and were so quickly on the scene. They did everything they could to locate the boy so that he could be returned to his family,” 

The people of Passage West called him a great person with an infectious smile and someone that will always be remembered by all. His sudden and tragic demise has left a deep scar in their hearts and his friends especially.

A fun afternoon at the beach with their friend turned into nothing less than a nightmare.

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The city of Wexford too was hit by a unfortunate swimming accident this week, after another 14-year-old was found motionless in his garden pool.

Watch this story – Michael Phelps Shares Breathtaking Footage of “One of the Closest Swimming Finishes Ever” in His Swimming Career

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Written by:

Allen James

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Allen David James is a writer covering viral sports moments at EssentiallySports. A Mass Communication graduate, specialized in Journalism, his love and passion for the game of cricket has led him to different junctures in life and brought out immense emotion and drive for a mildly calm individual. Apart from cricket, singing and playing badminton are two activities that help him break away from the pressures of work and deadlines! Here he is now, a content writer, creator and broadcaster, trying to make his way in this wonderful world of sports, where tough never rest!
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Edited by:

Priyadarshini Ajay