A community in Cork are heartbroken following the death of a 15-year-old boy who “always had friends around him”.
The principal of St Brogan’s College in Bandon informed students and staff of the tragic news.
An appeal was launched on Wednesday after third-year student Rian de Brun was reported missing from the Ballineen area. He had last been seen in Bandon at 4pm.
The principal of the school said: “We are all deeply saddened and our thoughts are with Rian’s family.”
The Ballineen Agus Enniskeane Facebook page also paid tribute to the young man. In a post, they said: “Our villages have yet again been plunged into shock and deep sadness at the untimely passing of Rian de Brun.
“Another beautiful young soul gone too soon.”
The community page said he “always had friends around him” and that he was “kind, thoughtful and respectful”.
St Brogans is asking parents to listen to their children over the coming days, and encourage them to express their feelings during this “difficult” time, the Southern Star reports.
Echoing those sentiments, the Ballineen Agus Enniskeane post said: “It has been particularly difficult on our young people over the last number of years.
“It is important that we are kind and understanding to our young people in all communities. Look out for one another and listen to each other now more than ever.
“Our deepest and sincere sympathies go out to his Mom, Dad & sister and his extended family & neighbours and especially his close friends who are devastated by Rian’s passing.
“Life is such a delicate and fragile thing.
“May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
