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Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Niall Deeney

Family 'devastated' after death of teen in 'tragic accident' on holiday in Bulgaria

The parents of a Coleraine teenager who died following a tragic accident while on holiday in Bulgaria say they are "devastated" following his death.

Daniel Smyth, 19, passed away on Sunday following the accident.

His family is now raising money to bring the teenager, described as a "beautiful soul to everyone he ever met", home.

Read more: Derry woman in tribute to 'amazing' mum who 'loved life' after charity effort

His mother, Jema McAuley, has given her thanks to the community following an outpouring of grief and support in the Co Derry town.

Writing on social media on Sunday, she said: "We are all devastated over here over the tragic accident Daniel had [in the] early hours of this morning in his hotel bathroom.

"I don't really know what to say but Martin J Smyth and myself want to thank all of you for your messages and thank you to our families who have been amazing. There has been that many messages I can't bear to look at them, but thank you so much for all your support."

She added: "Fly high my baby boy. Love you so much."

In an online fundraising appeal, Ellen Devenney-Adams wrote: "Daniel’s death has sent shockwaves of heartbreak throughout our entire family and his circle of friends.

"Daniel had the most cheeky, infectious smile and was kind and loving to everyone he came in contact with. Our family will truly never be the same without him."

She continued: "He was destined for the greatest things in life and we want to bring him home and give him the biggest and best send off without any pressure on his grieving parents.

"The whole town has had the kindest words to say about Daniel and we couldn’t be more proud to know he was just a beautiful soul to everyone he ever met. We as a family will take comfort in your kind words for days and years to come while we process to loss of our Daniel Ganky Smyth."

A total of £1,890 had been raised, with a target of £5,000, at the time of writing.

The online fundraiser can be accessed via GoFundMe here.

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