Garda probe after three teens die in car plunge from pier
A TALENTED young boxer, his cousin and a friend died after their car veered out of control and plunged off a pier in Galway in the early hours of yesterday morning.
John Keenan, 16, was travelling with his 19-year-old cousin Christopher Stokes, and their friend – 17-year-old Wojciech Panek – when their vehicle plunged into the River Corrib at Menlo Pier shortly after 2.30am.
The wide stretch of roadway leading to the river bank was sealed-off yesterday as gardaí and members of the collision investigation team tried to piece together the events leading up to the tragedy.
It is understood the car flipped upside down onto its roof after it entered the water, trapping the three teenagers inside for as long as 15 minutes until gardaí and members of the fire brigade reached them.
John and Wojciech were pronounced dead at the scene.
Christopher was in a critical condition in University Hospital Galway as doctors battled to save his life.
But gardaí confirmed shortly after 5pm yesterday that the 19-year-old had also died from his injuries.
It is understood the tragedy unfolded when the driver of the car attempted to make a U-turn at the end of the pier and one of the wheels slid over the edge.
One local person, who did not wish to be identified, told the Irish Mail on Sunday: ‘Nothing like this has ever happened before on the pier because it is very wide and there is plenty of room for cars to park there and to turn around.
‘It looks like they were trying to turn and that one of the wheels of the car went over the edge. It looks like they drowned in three feet of water.’
The Olympic Boxing Club paid tribute yesterday to John, who was from the Headford Road area of Galway. His brother Martin was also a member of the club.
A statement posted on the club’s Facebook page read: ‘It’s with deep pain, heartbreak and sorrow that the untimely and tragic death has occurred of one of our boxers John Keenan [in the] early hours this morning.
‘John has been with us at Olympic BC since he was 10 years after following his brother Martin Sammon through our doors.
‘John had always had a big smile on his face and would go out of his way to do anything for anyone, he never let anything get him down.
‘Our sincerest and heartfelt condolences goes out to John’s Brother Martin, his mother Elizabeth and his brothers and sisters.
‘May his soul and the souls of the faithful departed rest in peace amen.’
In a later post after Christopher Stokes’ death was confirmed, the club said: ‘Rest in peace to both club members Christopher Stokes and John Keenan, both exceptional young men and too young to go.
‘Rest in peace boys, we’re all broken-hearted. Our broken heartfelt condolences goes to Anthony and Kate Stokes and family.’
Several members of the boxing club also posted their own heartfelt tributes.
Local public representatives also extended their condolences to the families of the teenagers who lost their lives in the freak accident.
Fine Gael Councillor Frank Fahy said: ‘Its horrific for any family to wake up to the loss of teenage young lives and I’d like to extend my sympathies to the families.’
Green Party Councillor Martina O’Connor added: ‘It’s extremely sad to hear about young men dying in these very sad circumstances and I extend my sympathies to their families and friends.’
In a statement confirming the third fatality yesterday evening, a Garda spokesperson said: ‘Gardaí are continuing to investigate a fatal single vehicle road traffic incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday, 11th February, 2023 in Co. Galway.
‘Three males were removed from the water and taken to University Hospital Galway where two of the males passed away.
‘The third male removed from the water and taken to University Hospital Galway has now also passed away.
‘The scene at Menlo Pier remains preserved for technical examination by forensic collision investigators.
‘Gardaí are appealing to anyone who has information that can assist with this investigation to contact Gaillimh Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Lne on 1800 666 111, or contact any Garda Station.’