The nine-day search for Shea McCabe sadly came to an end on Boxing Day after his body was recovered from a river – his family say that he died in a ‘freak accident’
The body of a young father from Co Tyrone has been recovered from a river – nine days after reports of someone entering the water. Shea McCabe’s family said the “freak accident” happened near the Brian Boru Bridge, Co Cork in the early hours of December 18.
Rescue teams scoured the river, Lough Mahon and the wider Cork Harbour areas over Christmas using boats, drones, sonar technology and divers before the search came to a devastating end.
It is the latest in a string of tragedies to befall the McCabe family, with Shea’s brother Jason passing away in October 2023, followed by their mother just seven months later in May 2024.
The search and rescue operation concluded on Boxing Day when the Crosshaven Coast Guard crew confirmed they had stood down their search. This came after Mallow Search and Rescue “detected an image” on their side-scan sonar, leading to a body being recovered by divers, reports Belfast Live.
“This was a huge team effort and has not stopped until we had closure. We would like to thank the countless members of the public for their support along the way, and as always, all the agencies involved coming together to draw this to a close as quickly and safely as possible,” said the Crosshaven Coast Guard.
“Our condolences to the person’s family at this very sad time.”
The family have since established a GoFundMe to help with bringing Shea’s body back to Pomeroy, to cover funeral costs and to support his three year old son, Cahan.
Writing on the GoFundMe page, Shea’s sister Stacey revealed that they are “heartbroken” by their latest tragedy.
“We are heartbroken to share that our beloved Shea McCabe has sadly passed away. A freak accident turned into our worst nightmare, his body was lovingly recovered thanks to the incredible efforts of the rescue services in Cork. We are deeply grateful to every person involved in bringing him back to us,” she said.
“Shea’s body now needs to be brought home from Cork to Pomeroy, and we want nothing more than to lay him to rest with dignity and love. The costs of transport and funeral arrangements have placed a heavy financial burden on the family at a time when we are already struggling with overwhelming grief.
“This tragedy comes after an incredibly difficult period for the family. Our family lost Shea’s brother Jason in October 2023 and our mother just 7 months later in May 2024. Coping with so much loss in such a short space of time has been unbearable for our family
“We are asking for support to help cover transporting Shea home to Pomeroy, funeral and burial expenses, the family also want to give back to the Cork search and rescue team and to support for his beautiful son Cahan (aged 3)”.
“Any donation, no matter how small, will help ease the financial pressure so our family can focus on grieving and honouring Shea’s memory. If you are unable to donate, please keep Shea and our family in your thoughts and prayers and share this page.
“Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for your kindness, support, and compassion.”
In a heartfelt tribute to Shea, the Miners’ Rest in Coalisland expressed their gratitude to all those who had contributed to the fundraising efforts.
“A huge thank you to everyone who donated for Shea McCabe. The love and support shown has been overwhelming, and we only wish Shea could see just how much he meant to so many,” they said.
“To Shéa’s family and friends – our doors and our hearts are always open to you, for anything you need.
“And to Shéa – we love you. Thank you for every laugh, every story, and every memory shared within our four walls and far beyond them. There’ll always be a forever one in the keg for you.
“We’ll miss you more than words could ever say. Love always, All at The Miners.”