‘Unimaginable grief’ as ‘cherished’ teenager dies after ‘tragic accident’ in Donegal river & heartbreaking tributes paid

Staff at the school he attended said they were ‘stopped’ in their tracks to hear of his passing

Conor Temple, 13, died following a “tragic accident” in the River Finn at Stranorlar on Thursday evening.

Gardai and the emergency services received a report that a person entered the River Finn around 5.40pm.

Rescue crews and the Coast Guard Rescue 118 helicopter launched a search for the teen.

The teenager was removed from the water and rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital by ambulance, where he was sadly pronounced dead.

A post-mortem examination will be carried out in due course and the file will be prepared for the Coroner.

Conor’s funeral will take place on Sunday at the Church of Mary Immaculate, Stranorlar, at 11am.

His family described him as a “beloved son” and “cherished grandson”.

Conor was a student at Little Angels School for children with special needs in Letterkenny.

Staff at the school said they were “stopped” in their tracks to hear of his passing.

They said: “Conor had a fantastic week in school. He was more affectionate than usual, seeking out hugs and tickles from his teacher and SNAs.

“He was enjoying the abundance of chocolate which comes with Christmas – he had no fear of calories or tooth decay!

“He even put aside his objection to a crowd and tolerated the excitement of his peers in order to make a rare trip into the new building to meet the big man yesterday. In other words, he was living his best life.”

‘HE WAS ADORED’

They added: “Conor was loved beyond words by his mum and dad and by his siblings. He was adored by them and by his extended family.”

Donegal TD Charles Ward said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss” of Conor.

He said: “The death of a young person is beyond words, and my heart goes out to his family as they face such unimaginable grief.

“Having met members of his family, this loss feels especially close to my heart.

“My thoughts are with them all during this incredibly difficult time.”

‘TOO SOON’

Condolences poured in online for the Killygordon teen.

One person said: “I am so heartbroken for Conor’s family and friends. A beautiful boy taken too soon.

“Praying for his family, that they find strength during the difficult days ahead.”

Another mourner added: “Our deepest condolences on the loss of your beautiful son Conor.

“We can’t imagine the loss and suffering that has come to your door. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this time.”

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardai and emergency services responded after receiving reports of a person entering the River Finn at Drumboe Woods, Stranorlar, Co Donegal, shortly before 5:40pm on Thursday, 18th December 2025.

“A male juvenile was taken from the water and brought by ambulance to Letterkenny University Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

“A post-mortem examination will be arranged and file will be prepared for the Coroner.”
Conor Temple will be laid to rest on SundaySource: https://www.thesun.ie/news/16274027/conor-temple-donegal-river-finn-tragedy/