A teenager from Co. Derry has tragically lost his life while holidaying in Bulgaria.
The family of 19-year-old Daniel Smyth from Coleraine have pleaded to the public for their help to bring him home.
Daniel tragically died on Sunday following an accident in his hotel room.
Daniel’s devastated parents, Jema and Martin, have now launched a fundraiser to bring their son home to Derry after his death left them in utter shock.
Posting to GoFundMe, the heartbroken parents confirmed: “Daniel’s death has sent shockwaves of heartbreak throughout our entire family and his circle of friends.
“Daniel had the most cheeky, infectious smile and was kind and loving to everyone he came in contact with. Our family will truly never be the same without him.
“He was destined for the greatest things in life and we want to bring him home and give him the biggest and best send-off without any pressure on his grieving parents.
“The whole town has had the kindest words to say about Daniel and we couldn’t be more proud to know he was just a beautiful soul to everyone he ever met.”
Also noting that the public’s kind words have helped with their loss, she added: “We as a family will take comfort in your kind words for days and years to come while we process to loss of our Daniel Ganky Smyth. Forever 19.”
When news broke of Daniel’s passing, Jema took to social media to speak about her loss and the tragic circumstances of her son’s passing.
She wrote: “I can’t believe am writing this, we are all devastated overhear over the tragic accident Daniel had early hours of this morning in his hotel bathroom.
“I don’t really know what to say but Martin J Smyth and myself want to thank all of you for your messages and thank you to our families who have been amazing.
“There has been that many messages I can’t bare to look at them, but thank you so much for all your support. Fly high my baby boy. Love you so much.”
