Tributes paid to ‘mild mannered giant’ who died in Kerry building collapse

Tributes have been paid to a ‘gentle-mannered giant man’ who died after part of a building collapsed and buried him in rubble.

Tom Ross, a well-known builder and developer with his children, died when the fireplace section gave way around 8 a.m. Saturday morning at a location on Ashe Street in Tralee, Co Kerry, during renovation work.

It is unclear whether his relatives were working with him at the time of the tragedy.

It is understood that the 68-year-old grandfather, who has worked in the city for 40 years, was on the ground floor of the three-story building. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sinn Fein TD Pa Daly knew Mr. Ross, who built his first home and law office on nearby Rock Street.

He said, “He was a giant man, a large man, well known for his strength.

Often known for lifting steel bars that no one else could lift into place, he had a very practical approach. But also mild-mannered.

“When I was building my house, he gave me a break in the time I had to pay him, there was no problem.

“He was a very decent guy to deal with.”

Daly said there was a deep sense of shock and sadness in the city for the well-known and highly respected family.

“It’s one of those days where you take stock and pause,” he said.

“It has pushed other topics and conversations down the list.

“The city center would have been quiet at the time and they obviously went in to do some work.”

Mr. Ross was originally from West Cork and spent some time working in England.

Under normal circumstances, there would be a large attendance at his funeral due to his large number of friends and family, Daly said.

While Ross was pronounced dead at the scene, five other men were injured and taken to Kerry University Hospital.

Tralee Mayor Terry O’Brien said: “This is terrible news for Tralee.

“We are all very shocked and saddened by what happened next.

“There is not a good time of year to happen, but the arrival of Christmas makes it even more difficult.

“We are all surprised.”

The building is on one of the main streets of the city, with the courthouse and the church of San Juan Evangelista nearby.

Mr. Daly added: “My thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends and coworkers at this extraordinarily sad and difficult time.

“Five co-workers were injured in the same incident, and I want to wish them a full and speedy recovery.”

Gardai closed the street after the accident and several fire crews attended.

Inspectors from the Health and Safety Authority have begun an investigation.

A Garda spokesman said: “A man was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Five more men were also injured during the incident.

“They were taken to Kerry University Hospital, where they are being treated for their injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

“The HSA and the local coroner have been notified.

“Investigations are ongoing.”