It has been confirmed that an Irish honeymooner has lost his life in the “tragic” Greece wildfires.
The Ireland ambassador to Greece, Orla O’ Hanrahan, confirmed that Brian O’Callaghan-Westropp was among roughly eighty people who have lost their lives in the fires.
Ambassador confirms death of Irishman in Greek wildfires | https://t.co/9UkUV1pzWZ pic.twitter.com/DJK05h4S4Q
— RTÉ News (@rtenews) July 25, 2018
Mr O’ Callaghan-Westropp was on honeymoon with his wife Zoe Holohan in the coastal town of Mati when they got caught in the wildfires.
Zoe managed to escape to a nearby beach when the pair were forced to evacuate a vehicle they were travelling in when the fires hit.
Zoe remains in hospital after suffering burns to her head and hands, and Ambassador O’Hanrahan confirmed that she is expected to make a full recovery.
The pair were married last Thursday, before flying out to the Greek town on Saturday.
In a statement, the Holohan and O’Callaghan-Westropp families said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of our family member, Brian O’Callaghan-Westropp.
“The families would respectfully appreciate privacy at this time as we grieve and as Zoe makes her recovery.
“Funeral arrangements will be announced at a later stage.”
Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs Minister Simon Coveney described the wildfires as an extraordinary tragedy.
He tweeted: “Irish citizens in region should keep up to date with local media and follow advice of Greek authorities in affected areas. Irish citizens affected can contact Irish Embassy in Athens +30 210 723 2771 or my Department +353 1 408 2000.”
Our condolences with Greece at this difficult time. Irish citizens in region should keep up to date with local media + follow advice of Greek authorities in affected areas. Irish citizens affected can contact Irish Embassy in Athens +30 210 723 2771 or my Dept +353 1 408 2000.
— Simon Coveney (@simoncoveney) July 24, 2018
Lead image via twitter.com/rtenews
READ MORE: BREAKING: Young Waterford Man Missing From Netherlands Has Been Found Alive And Well