An Irishman who went missing in Los Angeles last week has been found dead after a viral online search campaign for the 28-year-old.
Gary Reilly from Ballinlough, between Kells and Oldcastle in Meath, was last seen on a midnight bus last week travelling from Bakersfield to LA in California.
It is understood that he was ‘ejected’ from the bus at some point along the way, according to a friend of his, and had not made contact with anyone in the days that followed.
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The Irish community in the US began posting online in the hopes that someone with information would come forward.
There was hope the Irishman would make his way home and earlier this week, a poster began doing the rounds online which read: “Help bring Garry Reilly home.
“Last known whereabouts: May 3 2022 getting bus from Bakersfield to LA. Age 28/Nationality Irish/green eyes/brown hair/6’2”/200 pounds."
However, the young man was sadly found dead by officers last week. While the circumstances of his death are unknown at this point, the LA coroner confirmed that he died on May 5.
Mr. Reilly’s body was formally identified in the days after his body was found.
Since the tragic news was confirmed, friends of Gary’s have been posting their condolences online with one woman writing: “Rest easy Gary Reilly. Gone way too soon.
"Thinking of your family and friends at this sad time.”
Another wrote: “I got news yesterday afternoon that Gary Reilly has passed away. Thank you to everyone who helped and shared the information. I think we should give friends and family privacy now.
“The Irish community in California has offered help. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.”
Meanwhile, other messages flooding in online have described the young man as “a great lad” and “one of a kind”.
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