Nearly €50,000 raised in hours to bring home Cork man who died on ski trip

Thousands raised to repatriate the body of a popular young Cork man who died suddenly while skiing in France

Cian O’Brien was found unresponsive in his bedroom on Monday morning and was later pronounced dead. Picture: RIP.ie

More than €47,000 has been raised in just 19 hours to support the family of a young Cork man who died suddenly while on a ski holiday in the French Alps.

Cian O’Brien was found unresponsive in his bedroom on Monday morning and was later pronounced dead.

The 20-year-old had travelled to the French ski resort of Alpe d’Huez with more than 300 young people, many of whom are students.

Mr O’Brien, an apprentice electrician from Gleann na Rí in Tower, Blarney, had travelled with the Cork Snow Sports Society.

More than €47,000 of the €70,000 fundraising target was raised within 19 hours.

The GoFundMe page appealed for donations to help repatriate Mr O’Brien’s body and cover unexpected funeral costs “at this heartbreaking time”.

“With the family's agreement can you please show your support for the family of Cian O' Brien who sadly and unexpectedly lost their beloved son/ brother /grandson while on a trip to France,” the GoFundMe page says.

“Your generosity will assist the family of Cian in bringing him home and laying him to rest along with any other additional and unexpected costs.” 

While many members of the Cork Snow Sports Society study at University College Cork (UCC), the group is not affiliated with the university and includes non-UCC members.

While many members of the society study at University College Cork (UCC), the group is not affiliated with the university and includes non-UCC members.

Mr O’Brien, who played soccer with his local football club, was widely described as a popular young man from a highly respected family deeply embedded in the local community.

Local Fine Gael councillor Damian Boylan said the community remained in shock following the tragedy.

“It is every parent’s worst nightmare for something to happen to their child. My deepest sympathies are with his family,” Mr Boylan said.

The department of foreign affairs confirmed it is providing consular assistance.

Mr O’Brien’s death notice on RIP.ie said he will be sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, Paul and Sabrina (née Ryall); his sister Lauren; his grandparents; aunt Ciara; uncle Edward; aunts Norma and Sinéad; uncles Seán and Alan; cousins; his many friends, especially Luke, Joey, Pod, Tadhg, Cathal, Ted and Seán; relatives; and neighbours.

The family home will remain private, and funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.

To donate, see the GoFundMe page: Donate in memory of Cian O’Brien.