Sister of man whose body was found in River Lee pays tribute to all who took part in search for him

The sister of a young man whose body was found in the River Lee in Cork on St Stephen’s Day has paid tribute to all those who participated in a nine-day search for her brother.

Stacey McCabe says that her brother Shea, aged 29, ended up in the river near the Brian Boru bridge in Cork in the early hours of December 18 after a “freak accident”. From that time, and even during Christmas Day, a multi-agency search took place in a bid to find Shea.

Gardaí, the coastguard, Cork City Fire Brigade, Cork City Missing Persons Search and Recovery, Blackwater Sub Aqua club, and volunteers participated in the trojan effort to locate the body of the Tyrone man.

The Mallow Search and Rescue team finally detected an image on their side sonar on December 26 with their divers locating the body shortly afterwards.

Writing on a GoFundMe page Ms McCabe said that she was hugely appreciative of the time that volunteers and the emergency services devoted to searching for her loved one.

“A freak accident turned into our worst nightmare, his body was lovingly recovered thanks to the incredible efforts of the rescue services in Cork. We are deeply grateful to every person involved in bringing him back to us. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, support, and compassion.”

More than €20,000 has been raised to pay for the funeral of the deceased and for the transport costs associated with returning him to Pomeroy in Tyrone. The family also want to make a contribution to the Cork Search and Rescue Team.

Funds will also be allocated to provide support for Cahan who is the three year old son of the deceased.

Ms McCabe says that the tragedy comes after an “incredibly difficult period for the family”.

“Our family lost Shea’s brother Jason in October 2023 and our mother just seven months later in May 2024. Coping with so much loss has been unbearable for our family.”

Donations can be made to the fund at gofund.me/4e3e0b10a