Greek police are investigating the deaths of two Irish teenagers who were celebrating the end of their school exams on the island of Ios.
The bodies of Andrew O’Donnell and Max Wall, both 18, were discovered on Sunday, and it is believed that the teenagers died in separate incidents.
Andrew O’Donnell went missing after a night out on Friday, and his body was found on rocky ground early on Sunday morning. It is thought he may have suffered injuries consistent with a fall.
Separately, Max Wall was found unconscious in the port area on Sunday afternoon.
Post-mortem examinations are due in the coming days.
Both young men were recent graduates of St Michael’s College in Dublin.
Up to a hundred students from the school were on Ios to celebrate completing the end-of-school Leaving Certificate, along with hundreds of students from other Irish schools.
On Monday, bouquets of flowers were being left at the gates of the St Michael’s campus in the Ballsbridge area.
‘Absolutely devastated’
The school’s principal Tim Kelleher said the school was “absolutely devastated, the entire community is reeling with the news over the last 24 hours”, and said representatives of the parent association had flown to the Greek island to support the families.
Mr Kelleher described Andrew as a “fantastic young man, great sportsman, fantastic footballer” who was academically bright and was looking forward to his holiday and to attending college.
Max, he said, was “very bright”, “passionate about rugby” and had “the world at his feet”.
“Unfortunately both families got the news yesterday that their future had been taken from them and we’re obviously devastated for them, their family and friends, and we’re here to help and support in any way we can in the next days and weeks,” he told RTE Radio.
Mr Kelleher said the group of classmates who had been on holiday with them are “absolutely traumatised” and are on their way home.
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The Spiritan Education Trust, patrons of St Michael’s College, expressed its condolences to the families of the teenagers.
In a statement, it said: “Our thoughts are with the parents and families of these two young men who today are suffering immeasurable loss.
“We extend our deepest sympathy and support to their grieving families, to all in their wider circle of friends and fellow classmates who will be mourning their passing and to the Board of Management, the school leaders and all our colleagues on the staff of St Michael’s College.”
A spokesperson for Ireland’s Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of both cases and is providing consular assistance, but declined to comment further.
