Teenage worker who died in accident named locally

Tributes paid to young man locally

The teenager worker who died tragically in a workplace accident on Thursday afternoon last has been named locally.

Reece Donohoe (17) from Upper Main Street, Kilnaleck, died followinng an accident at the Wilton Waste recycling and scrap metal facility at Kifagh, near Ballyjamesduff, on Thursday afternoon, June 13, shortly after 4.30pm.

Wilton has expressed its deepest condolences to the family and friends of a teenage worker.

In a statement to The Anglo-Celt, a spokesperson said: “The company offers their deepest condolences to the employee's family at this very sad time."

As a mark of respect, the local company has decided to close the gates until further notice.

According to his death notice, the young man's family have asked for their house to remain private until funeral arrangements are published.

Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene last Thursday afternoon, but the young man worker was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) were also notified, and a file will be prepared for the Coroner's Court.

A post-mortem is set to take place in due course.

'A terrible tragedy'

Local Fine Gael Councillor Trevor Smith described what had happened as a “terrible tragedy”.

He described the deceased was a “popular young lad”, and that the local community in Kilnaleck and surrounding areas were reeling in “shock” from the news.

“I'm sure the local community will support [the young man's family] in any way they can,” said Cllr Smith, who also expressed his deepest sympathies to the teenager's family.

A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed to the Celt: “Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to a fatal workplace accident at a premises in Cavan yesterday afternoon, 13th June 2024 shortly after 4.30pm.

“A 17-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the scene. His body has been removed from the scene to the mortuary in Cavan. A post-mortem will take place in due course.

“The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been notified.

“A file will be prepared for the Coroner's Court.”

The HSA informed the Celt that they are "aware of the incident and have launched an investigation".

"No further information is available at this time," said a spokesperson for the independent workplace accident investigation body.