Tragic death of teenager in fall at Powerscourt Waterfall
SCHOOLBOY Lewis Fleming (15) died following a fatal fall at Powerscourt Waterfall, which occurred last Wednesday afternoon.
Lewis is from Ballymoney in County Antrim and was visiting the area with his family.
‘We have had our fair share of tragedies on the North Coast this summer,’ said Cllr Ivor Wallace of Ballymoney. ‘Whilst not pre-empting what has happened I would urge everyone to take every precaution possible whilst around water. My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends.’
Members of the fire service and gardai attended the scene of the accident, which occurred at around 2 p.m.
The Dublin Coast Guard Rescue 116 helicopter was also dispatched and a friend of the deceased boy was airlifted to safety.
Volunteers from the Dublin and Wicklow Mountain Rescue Team and the Glen of Imaal Mountain Rescue Team also took part in the operation.
Lewis was pronounced dead at the scene.
Powerscourt Estate has expressed condolences to the family of the teenage boy. A spokesperson says that the estate is liaising and cooperating with gardaí and all authorities in their investigation into the incident.
‘Lewis was a lovely young man, about to enter Year 12, who contributed hugely to school life in the classroom, on the rugby field, the athletics track and in the swimming pool,’ said David Carruthers the principal of Coleraine Grammar School, where Lewis was a pupil.
‘Lewis had a wide circle of friends, a great sense of fun and will be sorely missed by everyone. I personally found Lewis to be an engaging, pleasant pupil who was always happy to have a chat.
‘ This is a real tragedy and a terrible loss for Lewis’s whole family and for our school community. Our thoughts and prayers are with Lewis’s family at this tragic time.’
The teenager was a member of Ballymoney Swimming Club and Swim Ulster paid tribute to Lewis. ‘ The loss of his friendship and companionship will be a huge loss to all who knew him,’ the organisation added.
North Antrim DUP MLA Mervyn Storey said the news had brought great sadness to the local community.
‘No one can begin to imagine what the family are going through,’ he said. ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with them.’
Minister Simon Harris expressed his sadness at the accident.
‘ Thoughts of all our community are with the family and friends of the teenager,’ he said, adding his thanks to the Coast Guard for their efforts.