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A TEEN has died in a tragic fall from a cliff in Kerry.
The 17-year-old suffered fatal injuries when he apparently lost his balance while walking with family members in the Cinn Árd area of Dingle in West Kerry on Sunday afternoon.
After slipping, the teenager fell off a steep cliff and fell into the sea.
It is understood that the cliff involved was over 30 meters high.
The accident occurred shortly after 1.30pm and weather conditions were described locally as good, although there was ice and frost on higher ground.
The area is popular with walkers and hikers due to the spectacular views of Dingle Bay.
The shocked family members immediately raised the alarm with the Coast Guard, RNLI, Kerry Mountain and Cliff Rescue, as well as Gardaí rushing to the scene.
The Shannon-based Rescue 115 Sikorsky helicopter was immediately dispatched to the West Kerry area to support the search operation.
The body of the teenager was seen, but accessing it was extremely difficult given the challenging nature of the terrain at the foot of the cliff.
Coast Guard units working with the RNLI’s Valentia lifeboat and Dingle volunteers managed to recover the body around 3 p.m. after a painstaking operation.
Tragically, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene.
His remains were then transferred by boat to Dingle by emergency services.
A comprehensive post-mortem examination will take place on Monday at Kerry University Hospital (UHK).
A Garda source said the incident is being treated as a tragic accident.
A file will be prepared for the Kerry Coroner with an investigation to be conducted later this year.
Locals expressed shock at the freak accident that marred the New Year in West Kerry.
Friends tried to comfort the teenager’s heartbroken family.
Prayers were said for the teenager and his heartbroken family at Masses held remotely in West Kerry.
The identity of the deceased will only be confirmed when all family members have been informed of the tragedy.
Online editors
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