Tributes paid as young Cork boy dies from sudden brain aneurysm on holidays on France

The family of a Cork boy who died of a sudden brain aneurysm while on holidays in France has been left in “shock” by his death.

A West Cork community has rallied around a local family after their beloved son Obi Thornhill from Ballydehob, Co Cork, died after suffering a sudden brain aneurysm while abroad.

It is understood that the young boy fell ill on November 1 and passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning, November 3 after being airlifted to a hospital in France.

A fundraiser for Obi Thornhill, who spent two days in a coma before he passed away “surrounded by his loved ones” says they lost “a beautiful, promising, bright and shining young person”.

"The family is in a state of shock and devastation and are dealing with all of their unbearable pain and loss in an unfamiliar place, far away from their family and friends," the fundraiser explained.

"We are appealing to friends and acquaintances and compassionate strangers to donate what you can to make the practical side of things a little easier for Obi’s family".

Donations will go towards accommodation costs for Obi's family, as well as funeral costs in Ireland and any other associated costs.

Tributes have poured in for the young boy, with one describing Obi as a "special, beautiful soul... Hope the fact that his bright light was felt by all who met him in his short time on Earth, will console those who mourn."

Over €26,000 has been raised in the GoFundMe so far, which can be found HERE.

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