Cork student (17) dies in suspected electrocution in Greece

Sean Ryan

An Irish tourist who lost his life while having a shower in Greece has been named.

The 17-year-old Alex McKee, from Cork city collapsed while having a shower on August 9th on the Greek resort of Aegean island of Kimolos.

Local police said they believe he died as a result of being electrocuted.

Mr McKee was a fifth-year student of Terence MacSwiney Community College in Knocknaheeny on Cork City’s northside. He was due to start his Leaving Cert year in September.

The police have requested an expert be brought in to inspect the electrics in the stone house the family are believed to have rented.

Speaking about the family, they said: “They were much loved on Kimolos, they visited regularly. They have connections to Greece, his mum comes from Kimolos.”

A post-mortem on the teenager’s body was due to be conducted on Thursday in a hospital in Piraeus, near Athens.

Alex McKee gained national recognition earlier this year when he was part of an award-winning Young Scientist & Technology Exhibition project, which gained national acclaim.

He and two classmates developed 'Bumblebee,' a communication system for people with nonverbal autism. The project won first place in its category, as well as a Special Award from the Ombudsman for Children's Office.

Paying tribute, local TD Colm Burke said: "It is extremely sad to hear that someone so young has died so tragically.

"He was a really talented young person with his whole life and huge career ahead of him. Earlier this year, he put a huge effort into getting to that stage in the Young Scientist and Technology Exhibition and was awarded for his efforts."

The Department of Foreign Affairs has said it is ''aware of the case and is providing consular assistance to the family''.