Northern Ireland

Family of Co Down man David Robinson who drowned in Ukraine left 'completely heartbroken'

Co Down man David Robinson accidentally drowned in the Dnieper River in the city of Zaporizhia in Ukraine while on the trip of a lifetime
Co Down man David Robinson accidentally drowned in the Dnieper River in the city of Zaporizhia in Ukraine while on the trip of a lifetime Co Down man David Robinson accidentally drowned in the Dnieper River in the city of Zaporizhia in Ukraine while on the trip of a lifetime

The family of a Co Down man who drowned in the Ukraine while on a year-long "trip of a lifetime" have told of how they have been left "completely heartbroken".

David Robinson, who was originally from Newcastle but had been living in the Dunmurry area of Belfast, drowned in the Dnieper River in the city of Zaporizhia earlier this month.

The body of the 42-year-old, who had worked as an Project Manager for Allstate Insurance in Belfast for the past 15 years, was recovered from the river by the coastguard on Wednesday, June 5.

His family last night told the Irish News that they are indebted to everyone, especially the people of Zaporizhia, who rallied to support and help them in the aftermath of the tragic accident.

The youngest of seven siblings, Mr Robinson was an experienced traveller and his latest trip would have taken him all around Eastern Europe and further afield.

Co Down man David Robinson accidentally drowned in the Dnieper River in the city of Zaporizhia in Ukraine while on the trip of a lifetime
Co Down man David Robinson accidentally drowned in the Dnieper River in the city of Zaporizhia in Ukraine while on the trip of a lifetime Co Down man David Robinson accidentally drowned in the Dnieper River in the city of Zaporizhia in Ukraine while on the trip of a lifetime

Two months into his trip, Mr Robinson arrived in Zaporizhia and booked into a hostel on Thursday, May 30.

On Monday, June 3, when they had not heard from him, Mr Robinson's family in Ireland raised the alarm.

His belongings and passport were in his hostel room however he had not returned to the accommodation. The hostel

The family were then aided by a friend of Mr Robinson who's wife is Ukrainian.

She managed to raise the alarm in Zaporizhia and CCTV seized in the area showed him leaving the bar and walking in the direction of the pier.

It is thought he may have lost his bearings and fell into the river where he drowned.

Mr Robinson's funeral took place on Tuesday and he was laid to rest in St Patrick's Cemetery in Bryansford.

Mr Robinson's niece, Cara said the family had been left heartbroken by the tragic loss of her uncle, whom she described as "charismatic" and "loving".

"He had an infectious personality," she said.

Co Down man David Robinson accidentally drowned in the Dnieper River in the city of Zaporizhia in Ukraine while on the trip of a lifetime
Co Down man David Robinson accidentally drowned in the Dnieper River in the city of Zaporizhia in Ukraine while on the trip of a lifetime Co Down man David Robinson accidentally drowned in the Dnieper River in the city of Zaporizhia in Ukraine while on the trip of a lifetime

"Once you were around him, you just felt great. He was inspiring. He was always interested in what I had to say. He always listened to me and he motivated you and believed in you.

"We were devastated".

Mr Robinson's sister, Jeanette said the family are "completely heartbroken" and "completely overwhelmed" by all the support and help they had received.

"We are so relieved to have him home," she said.

"We are completely indebted to his friends.

"He was the youngest, he kept us together. He obviously had a big impact on everyone he met. He went out of his way to meet new people and find out about them and listen to them. He was so interested in other people's lives. He just loved travelling.

She added: "His friend came and showed us the picture of the place it was and it was a beautiful place with beautiful sandy beaches. They were able to bring the light, in that he didn't drown in a dark, horrible place, it was a bright place".