A man who died after his car went off the road and into a river in Co Cork during heavy rain on Friday has been named as 34-year-old Joice Thomas.
Mr Thomas from Kambammettu, Kerala in India lived in Ballynoe in Co Cork with his wife Ruby Kuriakose, and their two children. The family moved to Ireland last year.
Mr Thomas died when his car went in to the water close to the Conna Road R628.
It is understood that he was on his way home from work at a nursing home in Leamlara when the incident occurred some time after 10pm on Friday.
A member of the public raised the alarm shortly before 10am yesterday when they spotted a car in the River Bride near the Conna Road.
Mr Thomas was the sole occupant of the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene, which was attended to by gardaí and emergency services.
Friends of the deceased have set up a GoFundMe page to assist Mr Thomas' family as well as to pay for the repatriation of his body to India for burial.
The GoFundMe page states that Mr Thomas began work as a kitchen assistant at Ballincurrig Care Centre in Leamlara, Co Cork just two months ago.
The page says that when he did not return home from work on Friday, his friends immediately alerted gardaí and an extensive search operation got under way.
The car was found after 14 hours of searching for Mr Thomas.
"Sadly, Joice passed away in this tragic incident, leaving behind his grieving wife, young children, family, and friends who are devastated by this sudden and heartbreaking loss," the GoFundMe page said.
Meanwhile, Conna Community Council has posted a statement on social media offering their condolences to the family of the deceased on behalf of the local community.
"We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of a local man following a car accident," it said.
"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his family, friends and loved ones at this incredibly difficult time."
Ballynoe Community Facebook page also extended its "deepest sympathy" to the family and friends of Mr Thomas, while appealing to witnesses to the incident to come forward.
The body of Mr Thomas has been transferred to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
A technical examination was carried out at the scene by Garda Forensic Collision investigators.
Gardaí are appealing for anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.
Any road users who may have camera footage, including dash-cam, and were travelling on the Conna Road R628 between 10pm on Friday and 10am yesterday are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Fermoy Garda Station on 025-82100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
