A family pet led walkers to a grim discovery on Sunday, as he barked to alert passers-by of his owner’s body.
Jake O’Neill, 22, slipped and hit his head while out for a walk with his loyal dog Hippy along Lady’s Cove Beach at Dunmore East, Co. Waterford.
Tragic Jake was found by fellow walkers at around 5pm, after Hippy barked at passers-by and led them to the body.
Emergency services rushed to the beach, but were unable to resuscitate Jake. Je was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
According to
The Irish Mirror, Jake’s father Mark said; "The dog stayed with him until somebody happened to walk down to the beach, and the dog kept on barking at the person, until the person went to follow the dog over.
"The dog was in distress and they went over and I think Jake was actually probably dead at that stage."
Jake, who was training to be a chef, has been described as an “absolutely super” young man, who will be greatly missed by his parents, brother and many friends, who are in shock at his passing.
"You don't expect your son to go out for a walk with the dog and not come back," said Mark.
A funeral service will be held for Jake tomorrow, Wednesday, while the results of the post-mortem are due today.
