Waterford skiing accident victim is named
Aidan Bergin, 29, died in Bulgaria.
The Waterford victim of a skiing accident in Bulgaria has been named as Aidan Bergin – an "adventurous, well-travelled and fun-loving" 29-year old from Kylemore, Clonea, Dungarvan, Co. Waterford.
Aidan, who was on a skiing holiday at the Bansko resort in Bulgaria, suffered a 600-metres fall after losing his footing while taking pictures with a group of friends, the Bulgarian Red Cross has said.
The Waterford man sustained multiple serious injuries and emergency services responded to the scene at 2.30pm local time on Tuesday, January 28. Mr Bergin was moved to a hospital in the nearby town of Razlog where he passed away the following day.
“Life-saving measures were taken, and a full assessment of his injuries was carried out. But despite all efforts of our medical team, he eventually succumbed to his grave injuries,” Dr Valentin Belchev of the Razlog-based medical team told the Associated Press.
Aidan will be “deeply missed by Niall, his parents Joe and Máire, brothers Patrick and Eoghan, sister Niamh and her fiancé David, aunts, uncles, cousins and his many many friends both at home and abroad,” a notice on RIP.ie said.
“Aidan, taken so suddenly from us, will live in our hearts for ever. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”
The Bergin family have called for donations to be made to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust, saying, “Aidan fortunately had travel insurance, many don’t.”
The Trust helps to fund the repatriation of those who pass in tragic accidents across the globe back to Ireland.
Local Abbeyside, Ballinrobe and Garranbane parish priest, Fr Ned Hassett, said that the parish is "in shock".
"We can’t begin to imagine how his devastated family must feel," the local priest said describing how Aidan Bergin's "older brother Patrick, a very skilful swimmer, issued an open invitation to join him on Saturday morning for a quick dip in Clonea Strand in memory of Aidan, his adventurous, well-travelled and fun-loving sibling."
About 20 people took to the water in a memorial plunge to honour Patrick’s much-loved brother. Fr Hassett said “it was humbling” to see the level of family support given to the grieving family. Fr Hassett said that Aidan’s parents, Joe and Máire, had travelled to Aidan’s side.
A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson confirmed that the department “is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance”.
May Aidan Rest in Peace.
