Family ‘in shock’

Support and tributes have poured in for a West Cork family following the sudden death of their teenaged son while on holidays abroad.

On 1 November, Obi Thornhill from Ballydehob suffered a brain aneurysm while on holidays in France.

He was resuscitated and rushed by helicopter ambulance to hospital where he spent two days in a coma before tragically passing away in the early hours of 3 November.

Since news of his death, the people of West Cork and beyond have rallied around the family, raising over €29k to go towards family expenses as they make plans to bring Obi home to Cork where he will be laid to rest.

The funds were raised in the space of a day via a GoFundMe page set up by Chani Wates.

She wrote: “We lost a beautiful, promising, bright, and shining young person.

“The family is in a state of shock and devastation and are dealing with all of their unbearable pain and loss in an unfamiliar place, far away from their family and friends.”

The GoFundMe page is appealing to friends, acquaintances, and compassionate strangers to donate what they can to make the practical side of things a little easier for Obi’s family.

In an update on the GoFundMe page, Ms Wates said the response to this fundraiser “has been overwhelmingly amazing”.

“Thank you every single one of you for showing your love and support in this way,” she said.

One of the many tributes paid to the family came from Josselin Le Gall, Consul of France in Cork.

Ms Le Gall wrote: “Dear Corinna and Dan, I am deeply saddened to hear about the passing of your beloved son. Obi’s memory will undoubtedly continue to shine brightly in Ireland. During this unimaginable time, please accept my heartfelt condolences and know that my thoughts are with you. May Obi’s spirit find peace, and may you find strength in the love surrounding you.”