Cork dad dies atop Kilimanjaro

Family members of a Cork dad have travelled to Tanzania to repatriate his body after he died on his 40th birthday of a heart attack as he neared the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

James O'Connor, a well-known chef at family-run Tony’s Bistro in Cork city, was just 100 metres from completing his goal of summiting Africa’s highest mountain when he suffered a medical emergency and passed away.

Following his death, a GoFundMe page was set up in order to help James’ family to bring his body back to Cork. The page has reached just under €40,000.

His family wrote: “When James set out on what he considered was going to be one of his biggest achievements - climbing Mount Kilimanjaro - never did we think it was going to be his last trip.

“We are trying our best to bring James home as fast as possible to his loving family and friends,” they added.

Mr O’Connor is described as being “a wonderful husband, super father, amazing son, fantastic brother, loving uncle, friend, and hero to many”.

The post on the GoFundMe page continues: “He exuded positivity and anyone who ever had the pleasure of meeting him would know they would never again meet another like James.

“We never thought we would find ourselves writing something like this and seeking the much-needed help from our friends and community, but we need to bring James home to his loving family in Limerick and Cork,” the post adds.

A tribute from Regional United FC, for whom Mr O’Connor coached, read: “Awful news this week as James O'Connor, one of our underage coaches, sadly passed away climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

“James's family are trying to bring him home. All donations to this cause would be greatly appreciated. May he rest in peace,” they added.

Donations to the GoFundMe page have since been disabled.

The family concluded with a quote: “Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.”