Tragic death of Limerick soldier
A LIMERICK-born soldier with the US army who had just returned from duties in Iraq, has died tragically in Anchorage, Alaska.
The man has been named as Edward Byrnes, 36, from Granville Park in Limerick city.
His body was found under a bridge in Anchorage last Friday morning. It is believed Mr Byrnes had been based in Fort Richardson, Anchorage, since last month and was last seen out with friends on Thursday night at 11pm.
Lieutenant Paul Honeman, Anchorage Police Department, said they believe Mr Byrnes left the pub alone and are appealing for witnesses, who may have been in the area of bridge C around that time, to come forward. Alaskan media reports stated last week that two bridge inspectors, who were on top of a warehouse, spotted the body from a nearby roof and then reported the sighting to managers, who called 911.
It is understood that Mr Byrnes' mother has now flown to Alaska, since learning of the incident last Saturday morning when she has met by members of the local Army and gardai. The dead man is survived by one younger brother and is pre-deceased by his father.
Minister for Defence Willie O'Dea described the fatal accident as a terrible tragedy and has offered his sympathies to the family. Fine Gael Cllr Diarmuid Scully said the incident is "quite shocking" and said the family are very well known and highly regarded in the area.
At the time of going to print, the Department of Foreign Affairs said they had not been notified of the case by the American authorities.
The Byrnes family in Limerick are the latest family to mourn the loss of a family member who died overseas. Earlier this month Anita O'Donnell, 33, who is originally from Larkin's Cross, Co Limerick died after she got into difficulty whilst wading in Lake Iona in Albany near Boston.
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Weather for Limerick
Wednesday 23 May 2012
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