Tragic Accident Claims Life of Co Cork Father and Care Worker

A tragic accident occurred on the evening of Friday, March 15, 2024, when a car driven by Joice Thomas, a 34-year-old father of two, veered off the road and plunged into the River Bride in Co Cork. The incident happened as he was returning home from his job at a nursing home during heavy rainfall, shortly after 22:00 local time.

Mr. Thomas, originally from Kambammettu, Kerala in India, had recently welcomed the birth of his second child just four months ago. He lived in Ballynoe with his wife, Ruby Kuriakose, their two-year-old daughter, and their infant son. The family had relocated to Ireland in 2023, seeking new opportunities.

Witnesses reported that Mr. Thomas was the sole occupant of the vehicle. Concerned friends and family had been searching for him when a member of the public raised the alarm around 10:00 the following morning after spotting the submerged car. Emergency services, including Gardaí, rushed to the scene, but Mr. Thomas was pronounced dead at the site of the accident.

Community Response and Fundraising Efforts

In the wake of this tragic loss, friends of Mr. Thomas quickly established a GoFundMe page to support his widow and young children, as well as to assist with the costs of repatriating his body to India for burial. Within just three hours, the campaign raised over €6,000, reflecting the community’s response to the family’s needs during this difficult time.

The Conna Community Council issued a heartfelt statement on social media, expressing their condolences to Mr. Thomas’s family. They stated, “We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of a local man following a car accident. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time.”

Similarly, the Ballynoe Community Facebook page extended their deepest sympathies and urged any witnesses to the accident to come forward.

Investigation Underway

Following the incident, Mr. Thomas’s body was transferred to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem examination. Garda Forensic Collision investigators conducted a technical examination at the scene to determine the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision, particularly road users who may have dash-cam footage from the Conna Road R628 between 22:00 on Friday and 10:00 on Saturday. Individuals with any information are encouraged to contact Fermoy Garda Station at 025 82100 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

This tragic event highlights the importance of road safety, especially during adverse weather conditions, and has left a lasting impact on the local community in Co Cork.