Young people in the parish of Creggan in Derry have been “stunned into silence” by the sudden death of popular local teenager Rysan Higgins, mourners at his funeral have been told.
The 17-year-old passed away in Altnagelvin Hospital on Thursday last.
Hundreds, many wearing tee-shirts in his memory, accompanied his remains as they were brought from his Dunaff Gardens home for Requiem Mass in the nearby St Mary’s Church yesterday.
Speaking during Mass, Fr Joseph Gormley highlighted how the tragedy stood in contrast with the Catholic Church’s World Youth Day which had just taken place in Poland.
He said: “The shock and suddenness of Ryan’s death has left the youth of this parish stunned into silence which is far removed from the celebrations of World Youth Day.” he said.
Fr Gormley praised the local community for the support that has been offered to Ryan’s family following his death.
He also asked them to continue to pray for the Higgins family in the coming days and weeks.
Ryan is survived by his parents, Ryan and Colleen, brothers Lee and Calum and sister Leah.
See today’s Derry News for full report.
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