Sister of teen who died in Galway pier tragedy says he…

Sister of teen who died in Galway pier tragedy says he was 'trying his best' to come home to family

The heartbroken sister of one of three teenagers who died in a pier tragedy believes her brother was “trying his best” to come home to them.

Amateur boxers Christopher Stokes, 19, and John Keenan, 16, lost their lives along with 17-year-old pal Wojciech Panek after a car they were in entered the water at around 2.40am Saturday.

The single-vehicle horror happened at Menlo Pier in Galway city.

Gardai and emergency services raced to the scene and removed three men from the River Corrib.

The victims were rushed to University Hospital Galway but John and Polish national Wojciech, understood to have been living in Limerick, died later that morning.

Galway teen Christopher had been in intensive care and fought for his life for a number of hours before he died on Saturday afternoon.

Now his heartbroken sister Annalise has revealed he “was trying his best” to come home to his family.

In a heartbreaking post on Facebook, Annalise wrote: “He was trying his best to come home to us,” followed by two broken heart emojis.

Annalise also shared Christopher’s final story from his Instagram page where he posed for a photograph with his thumb up just hours before the tragedy.

Music from The Highwaymen’s song American Remains was added with the now poignant lyrics: “We will not be forgotten, we won’t be left behind. Our memories live on in mortal minds.”

Meanwhile, as all three pals’ families prepare to say their final goodbyes and make their funeral arrangements, tributes continue to be paid to the victims.

One pal of Christopher’s wrote on social media: “Remember all our days in school together and growing all our lives together.

“My heart is shattered. Can’t believe it.”

A pal of John Keenan’s wrote: “I am really sorry for your family’s loss.

“God be good to you. Hope you get the best bed in heaven. Wish the light of heaven to all the other boys that was there in the
accident.

“You really don’t know what’s around the corner for anyone anymore.”

Castlebar Boxing Club paid tribute to the three and offered their condolences to their family, friends and club mates in Olympic Boxing Club.

Olympic Boxing Club also paid tribute to the lads. It wrote: “Rest in peace to both club members Christopher Stokes and John Keenan. Both exceptional young men and too young to go.”

Young boxer John Keenan, 16, tragically died in the crash (Facebook/Olympic Boxing Club in Galway)

Gardai in Galway continue to investigate the circumstances around the tragic deaths of the three teenagers and appealed for witnesses.

A spokesman said: “We are appealing for witnesses at this stage for anyone who may have been in the Menlo area anytime between 2am and 2.40am on Saturday who may have seen a 08 D blue Peugeot 308 in the area to contact us.