Offaly School Mourns Tragic Loss of 16-Year-Old Natalia Koziej

BREAKING: The community of Birr, Co Offaly, is in mourning following the sudden death of 16-year-old Natalia Koziej at Midlands Regional Hospital on August 4, 2025. Tributes are pouring in for the beloved former student, whose passing has left friends, family, and educators heartbroken.

Oxmantown National School, where Natalia once thrived, expressed their deep sorrow in a heartfelt tribute, stating, “We are utterly heartbroken to share the news of the death of past pupil Natalia Koziej. Natalia was a bright, sweet natured young girl with a beautiful heart.” The school emphasized her lasting impact on the community and extended condolences to her grieving family.

Natalia is mourned by her loving parents, Beata and Kajetan, her sister Emilia, and her boyfriend Mark, alongside a wide circle of friends and family. Her mother, Beata, shared an emotional message, calling Natalia “my biggest miracle in the world” and noting the strength she showed throughout her life despite ongoing health challenges.

Coláiste Phobal Ros Cré, where Natalia was a third-year student, also released a statement expressing their profound sadness. “Her spirit and heart touched the lives of so many throughout her short life,” the message read. The school community is coming together to honor Natalia’s memory, lighting candles in her remembrance.

The outpouring of love for Natalia continues on her RIP.ie death notice, where friends are sharing their condolences. One schoolmate poignantly remarked, “Natalia was a good friend and will be greatly missed. I will miss our chats in class. Fly high.” Another friend recalled their time together, stating, “A beautiful gentle young lady taken too soon.”

Funeral arrangements have been set, with Natalia’s body reposing at Tierney’s Funeral Home in Roscrea from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM on Thursday. The removal will take place on Friday morning at 10:30 AM, traveling to Shannon Crematorium for cremation at 12:00 noon.

This tragic loss is a stark reminder of the fragility of life, and the impact that one young person can have on a community. As tributes continue to pour in, friends and family are finding solace in their memories of Natalia, a girl whose kindness and spirit will not be forgotten.

Stay tuned for more updates as the community comes together to support one another during this heartbreaking time.