There is huge sadness across Donegal after the news emerged that a two year old toddler died after suffering medical complications sparked when he choked on a piece of toast.
Little Ricky Devine-McGinley died after the freak accident at the home of a close relative on Saturday morning.
Ricky, who only recently turned two, was being cared for at the home of a close relative when the incident occurred.
He was immediately rushed to the local health centre but then rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital.
However, despite brave attempts to resuscitate him, he passed away a short time later.
His distraught parents Gerard McGinley and Ceara Devine were last night being comforted by family and friends at their home at Moyle Hill.
Little Ricky was the couple’s only child but Ricky does have a half sister Chloe who doted on him.
The death is not being investigated by Gardai and has been described as a “complete accident.”
Local priest Fr. Adrian Gavigan said everyone is devastated and bewildered at what had happened.
He said that the only consolation was that the couple were surrounded by a “big family” who will comfort them at this time.
“A terrible tragedy has fallen on the parish and the whole community. They are just devastated and all of the community has been gripped.
“They are surrounded by a big family and their friends, and they are supporting them the best way they can.
“It is like a nightmare that we would like to awaken out of, but unfortunately it is so real and so sad.
“People are bewildered just trying to figure out why. News like this travels so quick and makes the whole place sombre. It has put a cloud over the whole community.”
A huge turn-out is expected at little Ricky’s funeral which takes place at St Peter’s Church in Milford this Wednesday followed by burial at Tully Graveyard.
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