Family of Irish teenager who died in Greece consider legal action over his death

Sean Ryan

The family of an Irish tourist who lost his life while having a shower in Greece is considering legal action over his death.

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

An autopsy held on Friday, August 14th, confirmed that electrocution was the cause of death.

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

Speaking on behalf of the family, prominent lawyer in Greece Stelios Voudouris said there was “clearly huge criminal responsibility” for a tragedy that could have been avoided.

He told Open TV: “From what has emerged, it seems the electric panel was installed without a safety valve.”

On Friday, August 14th, police confirmed that a water heater in the house was now the focus of investigation.

The police said “We have sealed off the building. It’s a crime scene. “People feel very strongly about what has happened. This is a small island, a small community, and they’re really upset.”

Meanwhile, a doctor on the Aegean island said it was a miracle his mother, who was born in Kimolos, wasn’t also electrocuted when she called him for help.

Agapitos Xanthis told Greek TV: “We narrowly escaped two deaths by electrocution. “She called me to say she had found her child in the bathroom who had turned a bluish hue and was no longer breathing. She said she could feel the electricity supply.”

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.

The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed that it continues to ‘’provide consular assistance to the family''.