Co Antrim man who died in swimming tragedy in Australia was ‘light of every room’

A Co Antrim man who died in a tragic drowning accident in Australia has been remembered as “the light of every room”.

Brendan Kane, who was also known as Benny, from Cushendall is understood to have got into difficulty while in the water earlier this week.

Emergency services were called to the scene and a search operation was launched.

The family of Mr Kane, who had been living in Australia, are awaiting the return of his body, which is still believed to be with the coroner.

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A spokesman for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust confirmed it was helping with the case.

Tributes have been described him as a “lovely fella” and a “total gentleman”.

In a message posted on social media, a relative wrote that he was “the light of every room...he loved his family and friends dearly”.

“Wore his heart on his sleeve every day and would give you the shirt of his back if he could,” she said.

“He tried his very best at everything he did in life to try and reach his dreams.

“I hope you are at peace Benny. I will love and miss you all the days of my life.”

Other tributes shared online said he was a “big softie and a total gentleman”, while another said “he was loved far and wide and will never be forgotten”.

Other people have written of their shock at his death, with one woman commenting that it was “heartbreaking news”.

The Parish of Cushendall appealed for prayers following Mr Kane’s death.

In a post on Facebook, it said: “Your prayers are requested for the happy repose of the soul of Brendan Kane of Tavnaghan Lane, Cushendall, who has died tragically in Australia.

“Funeral arrangements later.”