Tributes have been paid to “genuinely lovely” Kofi Owusu from Dundalk, Co Louth, who died while swimming in Laytown, Co Meath on Friday.
The 15-year-old had completed his Junior Certificate exams just 10 days ago.
Kofi was a pupil of Coláiste Chú Chulainn in Dundalk. School principal Thomas Starkey said Kofi was a very caring young man with a wide circle of friends.
“He was a diligent student and a regular awardee for excellent attendance. Kofi was also an accomplished sportsman. He was a member of the school’s under 15 soccer team and represented the school in the recent Leinster Shield final.”
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Kofi was also a member of the school’s under 16 basketball team which made it to the All Ireland final in January. “Our sympathy and thoughts are with Kofi’s family and friends at this time,” Mr Starkey said.
A statement issued on behalf of the school and the Louth and Meath Education Board said Kofi’s death was a terrible tragedy for his family and friends, his school and the community in Dundalk and surrounding areas.
Guidance gounsellors and school staff will be helping students in the aftermath of the tragedy. The school will be open to students and parents to support them and offer them advice and guidance.
The National Educational Psychological Service of the Department of Education and Youth will be supporting and advising staff on how best to assist grieving students.
Kofi was among a group of teenage boys who went to Laytown in Co Meath on Friday to enjoy the hot weather. They were in the water under the footbridge near Laytown Beach when Kofi went out of their sight. The alarm was raised by a member of the public.
A search operation was launched at about 6.15pm. The Rescue 116 helicopter and the Coast Guard Unit from Drogheda were among those who attended at the scene.
Kofi’s body was taken from the water shortly after 9.30pm and was removed to Our Lady’s Hospital in Navan, Co Meath, where a postmortem is due to take place.
“It is devastating news,” said Cllr Seán Kelly, cathaoirleach of Louth County Council.
Cllr Kelly said he was deeply saddened to hear about the boy’s death, describing it as “every parent’s worst nightmare”.
“It’s the last thing you want to happen on the warmest day of the year. You want celebration and joy and it turned to tragedy.”
Redeemer Celtic Football Club posted a picture of two jerseys online in memory of their much-loved team-mate. The jerseys, featuring the number six, were placed on a pitch alongside flowers. Management at the club said they were “heartbroken”. The facility is closed until further notice.
Locals described Kofi as a “genuinely lovely lad with the warmest smile”. He was a pupil at Coláiste Chú Chulainn in Dundalk where he was active in the basketball team.
Gardaí have indicated that videos of the incident are in circulation and ask that footage and imagery not be shared.
Minister of State for European Affairs and Meath East Fianna Fáil TD Thomas Byrne said that it was “devastating” to hear of the teenager’s death.
“My heart goes out to his family, friends and all who are grieving. A summer moment has turned into an incalculable loss.
He asked people to respect the family’s privacy and avoid sharing any images or details online.
[ Emergency services carry out multiple coastal rescues over past two daysOpens in new window ]
Cllr Sharon Tolan, cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, said “a dark cloud” was hanging over the community following the death. She said her “thoughts and prayers” were with everyone affected by the tragic incident.
Independent councillor Carol Lennon, whose municipal district is in Laytown, said what started as a great summer’s day ended with “the loss of a young life, a teen, enjoying the first tasters of summer in 2025”.
This is the second drowning of a teenager in Ireland this week. Water Safety Ireland says it is the sixth drowning in six weeks of under-18s and appealed to the public to take enormous care in the water and to stay within their depth.
On Tuesday, Peter Byrne (17) from Cloghristick, Milford in Co Carlow drowned in the river Barrow. He was swimming with a friend when he got in to difficulty at about 6.30pm in the river in the Milford area outside Carlow town.
His body was recovered at 11.30pm on Tuesday. His remains were taken to Waterford University Hospital where a postmortem examination took place. A file is also being prepared for the coroner.
Peter will lie in repose at is home in Carlow from 1pm on Sunday, with prayers at 8pm. His funeral will take place at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow, at 10am on Monday with burial following at St Mary’s Cemetery.
His family have asked that mourners donate to Water Safety Ireland in lieu of flowers. He is survived by his parents Antoinette and Stephen, his stepfather Dermot, his five siblings and his grandparents.
