Family’s anguish at triple tragedy as body of ‘lovely’ dad, 20s, recovered from Irish river after ‘freak accident’

‘Coping with so much loss in such a short space of time has been unbearable for our family’

THE heartbroken family of a young dad-of-one whose body was recovered from a river in Co Cork has told how a “freak accident turned into our worst nightmare”.

The remains of Shea McCabe, who was from Co Tyrone, were recovered from the River Lee following a nine-day search prompted by reports he had entered the water.

The dad-of-one’s death is the third tragedy to hit the family, with his brother dying in October 2023 and his mum passing away just several months later in May 2024.

And Shea’s heartbroken family are now on a mission to bring him home to lay him to rest alongside his brother Jason.

Shea was seen entering the River Lee near the Brian Boru Bridge in the early hours of Thursday, December 18 in what his sister has described as a “freak accident.” 

From that time, including on Christmas Day, a multi-agency search involving Gardai, the Coast Guard, Cork City Firefighters, Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery and sub aqua teams took place.

His body was recovered on December 26 after Mallow Search and Rescue’s side-scan sonar picked up a “very clear image” that prompted divers to investigate further.

Shea’s sister Stacey has set up a GoFundMe to help bring her brother’s body home to Pomeroy.

Stacey said: “We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Shea McCabe has sadly passed away.

“A freak accident turned into our worst nightmare, his body was lovingly recovered thanks to the incredible efforts of the rescue services in Cork.

“We are deeply grateful to every person involved in bringing him back to us.

“Shea’s body now needs to be brought home from Cork to Pomeroy, and we want nothing more than to lay him to rest with dignity and love.

“The costs of transport and funeral arrangements have placed a heavy financial burden on the family at a time when we are already struggling with overwhelming grief.”

Stacey told how this tragedy comes after an “incredibly difficult” period for the family.

‘UNBEARABLE’ LOSS

She explained: “Our family lost Shea’s brother Jason in October 2023 and our mother just seven months later in May 2024.

“Coping with so much loss in such a short space of time has been unbearable for our family.”

Stacey said the funds raised will cover transporting her brother home to Pomeroy, funeral and burial expenses, support for Shea’s “beautiful” three-year-old son Cahan and donations to the Cork Search and Rescue Team.

She added: “Any donation, no matter how small, will help ease the financial pressure so our family can focus on grieving and honouring Shea’s memory.

“If you are unable to donate, please keep Shea and our family in your thoughts and prayers and share this page.

“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, support, and compassion.”

‘THANK YOU FOR EVERY LAUGH’

The ‘Shea McCabe‘ fundraiser has so far raised over £18,000 – which is over €20,000, out of its £22,000 goal.

Miners’ Rest Bar, near Pomeroy in Coalisland, has also been fundraising for Shea’s family.

A spokesperson for the venue said yesterday: “The love and support shown has been overwhelming, and we only wish Shea could see just how much he meant to so many.

“To Shea’s family and friends – our doors and our hearts are always open to you, for anything you need.

“And to Shea – we love you. Thank you for every laugh, every story, and every memory shared within our four walls and far beyond them.

“There’ll always be a forever one in the keg for you. We’ll miss you more than words could ever say. Love always, All at The Miners.”

‘BABY OF THE HOUSE’

A raffle on New Year’s Eve will take place in the bar to help raise more funds.

Tributes have been pouring in for Shea since his passing, with Stacey telling how her brother was the “baby of the house”.

She said: “Once again our families hearts have been broken.

“The baby of the house. The only comfort we have is that you Mummy & Jason are together again.

“Watch over your beautiful little boy.”

Another mourner added: “Just so so sad Stacey, such a lovely lad, gone far too soon. Rest in peace Shea, back in your mummy’s arms.”

A third wrote: “What a beautiful lad always looking out for wee Jason and a big hello for everyone. May Shea rest in eternal peace. Thinking of you all at this sad sad time.”