Funeral today of young kayaker killed in Ecuador
THE funeral takes place today (Tuesday) of the young kayaker Alex McGourty who was killed in Ecuador last week.
Alex (19, from Loughanelton, Calry is survived by his parents, Frankie and Eilish and siblings Aaron, James, Sarah and Ellen. Removal takes place from his home today to arrive at Saint Patrick’s Church, Calry for Mass of Christian burial at 12 noon with burial to follow in Clogher Cemetery.
Mourners are asked not to send flowers but to send donations in lieu, if desired, to Sligo Kayak Club, Summerhill Kayak Club of which Alex was a member and the Kevin Bell Reparation Trust which helped with his return to Ireland.
The donations can be made c/o Seamus Feehily and Son Funeral Directors, Pearse Road, Sligo.
Alex lost his life whilst out kayaking with others having been caught in a flash flood while kayaking with others on the Abanico river near the Sangay national park in the Morona Santiago province of Ecuador.
Alex left Summerhill College while in fifth year to pursue his life long ambition of a being a top kayak instructor. Alex and his group had hiked six hours in the jungle into the “hidden Upper abanico” to go kayaking.
He had spent two months kayaking in Nepal in late 2017 before returning to Ireland for Christmas and then travelling on to Ecuador.
The tragedy also claimed the life of Tralee native, David Higgins (26).
A Go Fund Me page was set up in order to assist with the return of both bodies and the target of €35,000 had almost been reached by Monday evening this week.