The owners of a hostel on Arranmore Island have offered a hand of friendship and comfort to those traveling for the funeral of tragic Lee Early.
The popular 26-year-old ferry skipper died after his car slipped off the pier in the early hours of yesterday morning.
A passenger in the car, a man in his 30s, managed to escape from the car and was unhurt.
The death of the popular single man, who was also a volunteer with the local RNLI lifeboat crew, has rocked the tight-knit island community.
A post mortem is due to be carried out on Lee’s body today at Letterkenny University Hospital to determine an official cause of death.
His funeral details have yet to be announced.
However, the local Arranmore Hostel has opened up its doors to anybody touched by Lee’s death and who may be traveling to the island for his wake and funeral.
A spokesman for the hostel confirmed “For anyone who may be travelling to Arranmore for the wake and funeral of Lee Early and needs somewhere to stay, there are plenty of beds in the hostel free of charge.”
Tributes continue to flow in for Lee who is survived by his dad Jimmy, mum Noreen, brother Adam and sisters Rachel and Laura.
Lee was working with the Arranmore Red Ferry who paid this tribute to him.
It stated “Today we woke to the terrible news that our Skipper Leigh Early had lost his life in a tragic accident.
“The day has been filled with immense sadness along with so many condolences all of which referred to Leigh as a gentleman and a highly competent skipper who excelled at his work despite his young age.
“We as a crew are devastated to have lost such a special friend and colleague. Leigh was a pleasure to work with and he has left a void in our work family that will never be filled.
“We extend our deepest sympathy to his parents Jimmy & Noreen, his brother Adam and sisters Rachael and Laura. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Members of the Arranmore Blue Ferry recalled how Lee broke so much ground at such a young age as a ferry skipper.
“It’s a very sad day for our island today as our former crew member, skipper and friend, Lee Early tragically lost his life this morning.
“While working with us the very talented Lee, became the youngest commercial passenger ship skipper in the country, at the young age of 20.
“Our deepest condolences to his sister Rachel, our Office Manager, parents Jimmy & Noreen, brother Adam, sister Laura and all the extended family & friends. Lee will be sorely missed by us all at the Blue Ferry.”
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