Man who died when car went in to river in Cork named as father of two and nursing home worker
Joice Thomas, who was killed when his car crashed in Cork. Picture: GoFundMe
A man who died after his car went off the road and in to a river in Co Cork as he made his way home from work in heavy rain on Friday had become a second time father just four months ago.
Joice Thomas, aged 34, from Kambammettu, Kerala in India lived in Ballynoe in Co Cork with his wife Ruby Kuriakose, their two year old daughter and infant son. The family moved to Ireland last year. Ms Kuriakose is employed as a nurse.
Mr Thomas died when his car went in to the water close to the Conna Road R628. It is understood he was on his way home from work at a nursing home in Leamlara, Co Cork when the incident occurred some time after 10pm on Friday. His worried loved ones and friends had shared social media posts in a bid to obtain information as to his whereabouts.
A member of the public raised the alarm shortly before 10am yesterday when they spotted a car in the River Bride near the Conna Road in Co Cork. Gardaí and the emergency services attended at the scene. Mr Thomas was the sole occupant of the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Friends of the deceased have set up a Go Fund Me page to assist his widow Ruby and their young children as well as to pay for the repatriation of the body back to India for burial. Over €6,000 was raised within three hours of the page being posted online.
The Go Fund Me page states that Mr Thomas began work as a kitchen assistant at Ballincurrig Care Centre in Leamlara, Co Cork just two months ago.
"When he did not reach home, his friends immediately alerted the authorities. The Gardaí, along with friends and local volunteers, initiated an extensive search operation.
"After nearly 14 hours of searching, on 20/12/2025, his car was located in the river with the support of the local community. Sadly, Joice passed away in this tragic incident, leaving behind his grieving wife, young children, family, and friends who are devastated by this sudden and heartbreaking loss.
"As we know, kindness goes a long way. We humbly request your generous support and prayers for the family during this time of profound sorrow.”
Meanwhile, Conna Community Council posted a statement on social media offering their condolences to the family of the deceased on behalf of the local community.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of a local man following a car accident. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”
Ballynoe Community Facebook page also extended its “deepest sympathy” to the family and friends of Mr Thomas whilst appealing to witnesses to the accident to come forward.
The body of the deceased was transferred to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
A technical examination was carried out at the scene by Garda Forensic Collision investigators.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.
Any road users, who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling on the Conna Road R628 between 10pm on Friday and 10am on Saturday are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Fermoy Garda Station on 025 82100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Donations can be made to the Go Fund page at https://gofund.me/18a0b472b
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