A boxing club in Galway have paid tribute after two teenage members passed away in the early hours of Saturday morning.

At around 2.40am, emergency services were called to reports that a car had entered the water at the Menlo Pier in the city. Three men were pulled from the water shortly after.

All three were taken to University Hospital Galway and tragically, all three men have died.

They have since been named as 16-year-old John Keenan, 17-year-old Wojcieck Panek and 19-year-old Christopher Stokes.

Two of the deceased, John Keenan and Christopher Stokes, were members of the Olympic Boxing Club in Galway.

This afternoon, the club issued the following statement on the passing of their two members:

"Devastating tragedy.

"Rest in Peace to both club members Christopher Stokes and John Keenan, Both exceptional young men and too young to go. Rest in perfect peace boys, we’re all broken hearted.

"Our broken heartfelt condolences goes to Anthony and Kate Stokes and Family."

Gardai have sealed off the scene for a technical and forensic examination.

An appeal has been launched for witnesses or anyone with information to contact gardai.

A spokesperson said: “Gardai are investigating a fatal single vehicle road traffic incident that occurred in the early hours of Saturday 11th February 2023 in County Galway.

“At approximately 2:40am, gardai and emergency services received reports of a car in the water at Menlo Pier in Galway city. Three males were removed from the water and taken to University Hospital Galway where two of the males have since passed away. The condition of the third male is currently described as critical.

“The scene at Menlo Pier is currently preserved for technical examination and the services of Forensic Collision Investigators have been requested.

“Gardai are appealing to anyone who has information that can assist with this investigation to contact Gaillimh Garda Station on 091 538000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”

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