Tributes have been pouring in for a "lovely young man" from Co Dublin who died suddenly last week while on holiday. Adam Gilchrist, a 25-year-old from East Wall, passed away in Spain on Thursday, August 13, leaving his loved ones devastated.
A death notice on RIP.ie paid tribute to Adam as the "beloved son of Caroline and Denis and loving brother of Leanne, Mairead and Davina and uncle of the late Calvin". The notice said Adam will be "very sadly missed by his loving family, niece Maci, nephew Calvin, brothers-in-law Steven, Gary and Jordan, cousin Jason and his close friends and his girlfriend Ana, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family and friends."
This marks the second tragedy for the Gilchrist family, following the death of Adam's 19-year-old brother Calvin in a road traffic accident involving a car and two motorcycles on the Finglas Road in Glasnevin on July 31, 2021, reports the Irish Mirror.
Sportsman and role model
Adam, who was set to celebrate his 26th birthday next month, was a talented sportsman who played football for Belvedere FC and was a member of Dublin Docklands Boxing Club. He has been remembered as "an incredible role model for the young people" in East Wall.
One mourner said: "My deepest condolences to Caroline, family and friends, on your devastating loss. My heart aches for you all. Adam never passed by me without a lovely smile, and a kind wish to have a good day. Rest Peacefully, Adam. I hope you find the softest pillow to lay your head on."
A close pal added: "We lost a friend, cousin and a brother. Hope everything up there is at peace. Genuinely most down to earth person around never chat to Giller and leave without a smile on your face. We lost an incredible role model for the young people in the area he forever did everyone proud. What a blessing it was to know you personally you will never be forgotten. Love you always Adam my guy."
While a third person said: "So very sorry for your loss Caroline Denis and all Adam's family. Adam was a lovely young man. May he rest in peace."
GoFundMe launched
Mates have gathered round the Gilchrist family and established a GoFundMe to help collect funds for Adam's funeral. The appeal was organised by family friend Jess Roche, who wrote on the GoFundMe page: "As a community, we are devastated and deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of Adam aboard. His passing has left his family, friends, and everyone who knew him in complete shock."
"Adam was only 25 years old, and no family could ever imagine having to face the heartbreak of losing a loved one so suddenly and unexpectedly. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with his mother, Caroline, and his entire family during this incredibly difficult time."
"We would like to come together as a community to support Caroline and the family in any way we can, particularly with the funeral and associated costs. Any contribution, no matter how small, would be greatly appreciated and will go towards helping Adam's family give him the farewell he deserves. Thank you to everyone for your kindness, support, and generosity during this heartbreaking time."
The GoFundMe has already raised more than €21,000 of its €24,000 target within days of being established, with Adam's relatives expressing gratitude to those who contributed. A message posted on the page said: "The family would like to thank every single person who has donated the support in the last 24hrs has been amazing and shows just how loved and respected adam is amongst the community."
"He was a gent who always had a smile and a chat for anyone he knew a lovely young man who was taken from us too soon. If you can continue to support and share it would be much appreciated we will update on funeral arrangements when we know more but for now on behalf of all the family thank you all so much."
