South East Mountain Rescue respond to death of Thurles Hillwalker

On Sunday afternoon, SEMRA responded to an incident in the Comeragh Mountains where a hill walker had suddenly been taken ill and was being attended to by the members of his group. The hillwalker has been named locally as Michael Fewer.   

Mr Fewer’s son, Stephen, had been celebrating winning a Junior Hurling title for Thurles Sarsfields just a day before the tragedy hit. 

The Waterford Coastguard helicopter Rescue 117 also responded, however, given the weather conditions high on the mountain, they were unable to reach the scene of the incident to directly assist or evacuate the patient. They were able to deploy the initial SEMRA party closer to the scene. 

Other SEMRA parties were deployed by off-road vehicles.  Once on scene, SEMRA Team Doctors & Casualty Carers attended to the patient. Unfortunately, despite the care provided the patient, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

SEMRA escorted the members of the walking group off the mountain to the off-road vehicles & then transported them back down to their cars.  The patient's remains were then stretchered from the mountain to the off-road vehicles and transported down to the road head where they were handed over to An Garda Siochana at approximately  10pm .

SEMRA wish to express our sincere condolences to the family & friends of the deceased walker on their sudden loss.  

SEMRA also wish to thank the following agencies for their assistance with the incident:

An Garda Siochana, Waterford & Dungarvan

Irish Coast Guard Helicopter, Rescue 117 Waterford.

National Ambulance Service

Kilbrien Hall Committee