Funerals today for Joseph Sebastian and Reuven Simon
The 16-year-old pals tragically tragically died last week at Derry’ Enagh Lough after getting into trouble.
The statement reads: “We, the families of Reuven Simon and Joseph Sebastian, and Derry’s wider Kerala community would like to express our heartfelt appreciation for all the kindness, love and support and prayers we have received since last week’s tragedy that cruelly took our two beautiful boys too soon.
“We have drawn enormous strength, at this dark and difficult time, from the sympathy and support we have received from Derry and beyond and for that we will always be grateful.
“It would be impossible to name individually all of you who have helped us but we do wish to put on record our appreciation and admiration of our emergency services and all those involved in the search, rescue and recovery operation for their courage and professionalism.
“We want to thank the public for their understanding of and cooperation with traffic restrictions that were helpfully managed by the PSNI to allow for the funeral procession.
“We wish to also express our sincere thanks to Reuven and Joseph’s, friends and classmates who shared their stories of joy and laughter.
“The loss of our precious boys has left a massive hole in all our lives.
“These have been truly dark days but the community continues to be a source light among the darkness.
“People’s acts of friendship and kindness will not be forgotten.
“We will continue to rely on the support and prayers of the community in the time ahead as we grieve for our sons.
Funeral of Reuven Simon and Joseph Sebastian in Derry on Friday September 2 2022. Pix by Joe Boland/NorthWest Newspix
“We hope that some good can come from this heartbreaking tragedy by ensuring better and safer management of all our lakes and waterways, and educating people of the very stark dangers of water.
“In doing so, we hope that other families will never have to suffer of the avoidable death of a loved one,” the statement concluded.
