He 'had a great smile, he worked hard, and he enjoyed life'

The family of a 41-year-old Cavan steel-erecter who died at a hotel in England earlier this week have described him as having “had a great smile, he worked hard, and he enjoyed life.”

They have also asked for their privacy to be respected at this tragic time.

Declan Walsh (41) from Ballyconnell was declared dead by paramedics who attended the scene at the Elmhurst Hotel in Earley, near Reading shortly before 10am on Wednesday last, March 30.

Their arrival was prompted by a report of a man being assaulted by two others.

Results of a post mortem examination conducted yesterday (Thursday March 31) proved inconclusive, and the two men arrested have since been released without charge.

Speaking to The Anglo-Celt, a spokesperson for the Walsh family issued a statement this evening (Friday, April 1) wishing to clarify a number of points circulating in articles published by Irish and UK media in the wake of Mr Walsh's death.

 

Family statement

They say: “Declan collapsed and died on Wednesday morning March 30 last from an historic heart condition. He had been living in Reading, Berkshire for ten years since emigrating from his native Ballyconnell, Co. Cavan.

“According to initial reports, Declan's death was being investigated as suspicious and involved the Serious Crimes Unit of the Thames Valley Police. Two men were arrested, questioned and later released without charge. Following a postmortem the family are now reassured that Declan died from natural causes.

“The Walsh family are recovering from the recent death of Declan's father, retired Garda Joe Walsh and are once again devastated at this tragic loss of their son, brother and dad.

“The family wish to thank the local Gardai, the Department of Foreign Affairs in both Dublin and London, The Thames Valley Police and especially the support from the Ballyconnell community,” the family spokesperson said.

Repatriation and funeral arrangements are expected to be made next week.

The results of a toxicology report carried out as part of the investigation into Mr Walsh's death are not expected for several months.

 

Police investigation

Police meanwhile are continuing to investigate the circumstances and are appealing to the members of the public for any information which may assist their enquiries.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Brown, of Thames Valley Police Major Crime Unit is quoted as saying: “As a result of the post mortem and the enquiries to date we are no longer treating this as a murder investigation, unless any new evidence comes to light. However, we will continue to conduct a thorough unexplained death investigation on behalf of the coroner, to determine how Declan Walsh died.

“Our sincere condolences and thoughts are with Mr Walsh’s friends and family at this extremely difficult time. I would urge anyone who hasn’t already come forward with information about Declan Walsh’s death to contact police immediately.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs have been in contact with the deadman's family and are also providing assistance.

 

Shock and sadness

Sinn Féin County Councillor Damien Brady from Ballyconnell, who grew up next door to the late Mr Walsh, told The Anglo-Celt “people are shocked” by his death and is a palpable air of sadness within the community at this time.

“It is very sad, and so soon after the family suffered the bereavement of their father Joe (Walsh). I knew him well and I'm deeply saddened by news of his death.

“My condolences and that whole community of Ballyconnell and the surrounding areas go out to the Walsh family and relations at this time,” he said.