Clare man Robby Kinlan was just 21 when he died suddenly in Thailand last week. Now a fundraiser has been launched to help repatriate his body to Ireland so that his family can hold a funeral.
Robby died unexpectedly on Thursday, January 10. Friends say that Robby was “living the dream” in the southeast Asian country, scuba diving and freediving in the clear waters off the coast. The fundraiser – which you can access here – was set up by friend Aleksandra Guziuk on behalf of Robby’s mother Tracy King, who has paid tribute to her son in a post on social media.
Tracy said: “RIP to my precious son Robby. He is resting in a beautiful Temple in Koh Tao, Thailand before his removal back to Ireland. I am heartbroken and overwhelmed and so very grateful for all the kindness being shown to us at this time. Thanks to all friends and family. Thanks especially to the Guziuk family at Dive Academy Inis Mor.”
The temple where Robby’s body is currently resting
(Image: Tracy King)
Posting alongside the fundraiser Aleksandra said: “Losing him so unexpectedly has left us all in shock and deep sorrow.
“Robby wasn’t just a friend – he was the kind of person who lit up every room with his kindness and warmth. He was always the first to help others, putting their needs before his own without a second thought. In Thailand, he was surrounded by many friends and he was living his dream, spending his days doing what he loved – freediving and scuba diving in the place that made him happy.
“Now, we want to honor Robby in the best way we can by helping his mum and family. We want to give everyone the chance to say their goodbyes and celebrate the incredible person he was.”
The fundraiser has already exceeded its target of €25,000 – with some donors giving several hundred euros each.
Aleksandra added: “Any support, no matter how small, would mean the world to his family during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Last week another Munster family was struck by tragedy overseas when 36-year-old Damien Kavanagh was found dead in his flat in Wales. Damien’s body will be repatriated to Cork with the help of the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT), a charity dedicated to assisting Irish families after the deaths of loved ones abroad.