A 21-year-old Irish man has died unexpectedly in Thailand.
Robby Kinlan, a diver from Quilty, Co Clare, died suddenly on January 9th while on the small island of Ko Tao, a popular location for diving in the Gulf of Thailand.
A fundraiser organised by a friend of Mr Kinlan to repatriate his body has since raised almost €40,000.
Aleksandra Guziuk, who organised the fundraiser, said the unexpected loss of Mr Kinlan “has left us all in shock and deep sorrow.”
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Mr Kinlan was surrounded by friends in Thailand and was “living his dream, spending his days doing what he loved — free-diving and scuba diving in the place that made him happy”, wrote Ms Guziuk.
“Robby wasn’t just a friend — he was the kind of person who lit up every room with his kindness and warmth.
“He was always the first to help others, putting their needs before his own without a second thought,” the post reads.
Mr Kinlan’s mother Tracy King said her “precious son” is resting in a temple in Koh Tao before his removal to Ireland.
“I am heartbroken and overwhelmed and so very grateful for all the kindness being shown to us at this time,” she posted on Facebook.
A spokeswoman for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the death and is providing consular assistance.
“As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of individual cases,” she added.
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