TRAGIC TIME
Heartbreak as ‘well-liked’ Irishman who scooped €4m Lotto jackpot dies in horror road crash while holidaying in Turkey
His wife and daughter was there at the time of the tragedy
HEARTBREAKING tributes have been paid to an Irish man who tragically passed away while on holiday in Turkey.
Michael 'Mouse' Kelly, who was aged in his early sixties and hailed from Ballaghanoher in Birr, Co Offaly died tragically in a road accident in Turkey.
1
Mr Kelly leaves behind his heartbroken wife Ann and their five children. Locals are comforting the family as they deal with the loss.
Local Fianna Fail councillor, Peter Ormand, said there has been a dark cloud over the town since the news broke.
Paying tribute, he added: "Michael was very well-liked in the town and was an avid Birr hurling supporter and a supporter of Offaly GAA.
"I want to extend my sincere sympathy to the family at this sad time."
READ MORE IRISH NEWS
Mr Kelly and his wife Ann won the fourth biggest ever prize in the National Lotto at the time in 1997.
They celebrated their £4,094,789 win with a £5,000 party in their hometown.
Speaking to the media at the time, the couple admitted they had some fears about winning such a large amount of money.
Ms Kelly added: "Hopefully we will all still be happy together.”
Most read in The Irish Sun
It is understood that Mr Kelly owns a villa in Turkey, and was there with his wife Ann, and their daughter at the time of the tragedy.
No funeral arrangements have been made as of yet.
Biggest Lotto Wins
The Department of Affairs confirmed that they were aware of the death.
A DFA spokesperson said: "The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
"As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of any specific case.”
The tragedy comes less than a month after a beloved Armagh man passed away suddenly follow a "tragic accident" in Turkey.
Conor Lennon was on holiday with friends when the tragedy took place.
The young father-of-one, who hailed from Newtownhamilton, has been remembered as "one in a million" by devastated loved ones.
He has since been hailed as the "beloved and cherished" son of Tony and Paula, "devoted daddy" to his little girl Georgia and "loving brother" to sisters Megan and Sian.
Heartbroken sister Sian took to social media to thank her older brother "for everything", sharing pictures of him alongside the sweet tribute.
She said: "I love you big bro. Didn’t get saying it enough. Forever and always. Thanks for everything."
One mourner, telling how Conor was "one in a million" told how they will never forget the "random drops of unforgettable advice" from the young dad.
Another described the news as "absolutely awful" and told how Conor was "such a kind, funny lad".
A third friend said: "Thought the world of Conor..lovely young man and always smiling."