Fundraiser launched for family of teen who died in Meath swimming tragedy

Sunday World

3 days ago

Kofi Jackson (15) has been described as an excellent sportsman who is a credit to his family
Dundalk teenager Kofi Owusu died after getting into difficulty while swimming at Laytown on Friday evening
A fundraiser has been launched to help financially support the family of a teenager who died while swimming in Laytown, Co. Meath.
Kofi Jackson Owusu died on Friday after getting into difficulty in the River Nanny.
The 15-year-old's body was recovered from the water three hours after the alarm was raised.
His football club, Redeemer Celtic FC have launched a GoFundMe to help support the boy's devastated family in the wake of the tragedy.
Read more School leads tributes as teen (15) who died swimming in Co Meath named locally
'The untimely passing of Kofi has left so many heartbroken, and shook a community & town and further to its core,' the page reads.
'A child of fantastic talent, hugely popular with a wide circle of friends. A child whose characteristics show he was raised as a highly respectful youngster, he was a credit to his loving family.'
The football club have said that there are 'no words' to ease his family's suffering, but has appealed for support at this 'heartbreaking' time.
Kofi Owusu, aged 15, from Dundalk died after getting into difficulty while swimming at Laytown on Friday evening
So far 341 donors to the Kofi Jackson Owusu GoFundMe has raised €7,565 of a €14,000 goal.
The teen who lived in Blackrock, Dundalk, had just finished his Junior Certificate at Coláiste Chú Chulainn earlier this month.
In a statement following his death, Kofi's football club shared fond memories of the talented player arriving at the club as a young child who needed his shoe laces tied by coaches.
'A ferocious competitor every time he pulled on the Redeemer kit, and this seen us achieve unthinkable success time after time & year after year.
'Kofi was a massive part of our club, Kofi was a massive part of our lives.
'We will strive to keep Kofi's memory within the club, and with absolutely broken hearts.'
The club shared a picture of two number 6 jerseys lying on the pitch alongside a bouquet of flowers, adding that the club would be 'closed until further notice.'
The late Kofi Owusu.
The principal of his secondary school, Principal Thomas Sharkey, said they were heartbroken at the death of the 'very caring and very diligent student.'
"He's an excellent sportsman. He had just played in an All-Ireland basketball final and in a Leinster soccer final in his age group of under-16.
"He finished his Junior Cert exams only 10 days ago, and his older sister was a past pupil of our school. Kofi and his family are in all of our thoughts,' Mr Sharkey said.
He added that the school will be there to support students during this 'very, very sad time.'
"The school community are being supported by the Department of Education and Youth, and the National Education Psychological Service.
"The school will be opening to give an opportunity to students and staff alike to come together and to support each other and to remember Kofi at this very, very sad time."
No funeral details have yet been announced.