A COMMUNITY in Co Laois has been left facing "shock and devastation" after a father and son were killed in a moped crash while on holiday in Turkey.
Eoin Fitzpatrick (36) and his 10-year-old son Dylan died when the moped they were traveling on crashed on Monday afternoon in the Mediterranean resort city of Alanya.
It is understood the moped was struck by a bus at around 3.30pm local time, and the pair were pronounced dead upon the arrival of emergency services.
Mr Fitzpatrick is reported to have been holidaying with Dylan and his other 16-year-old son, along with his partner and her son.
The crash happened on the same day the group had been due to return home from the trip.
It has been reported Dylan's mother is now flying out to Turkey.
An investigation into the fatal crash is underway by Turkish authorities, while a spokesperson for the Republic's Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it was aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
Laois–Offaly Sinn Féin TD Brian Stanley told RTÉ's News at One programme on Tuesday: "Obviously there's shock and devastation at the loss of these two people.
"The 10-year-old would have been very popular in the neighbourhood."
Describing the collision as an "awful tragedy", he said: "My heartfelt sympathies go to the mother of the boy and also to the parents of the deceased man and the grandparents on both sides.
"In the days and weeks ahead, the community in Portlaoise will rally around both families and hopefully be able to give them some support and comfort."
Mr Stanley said he had spoken to a parent of Eoin Fitzpatrick.
"They have lost a son and lost a grandson. Nothing could prepare you for it," he said.
Monsignor John Byrne from Portlaoise Parish said news of the tragedy had left "a dark cloud hanging over Portlaoise".
"People are trying to get their heads around this and support the family in prayer and general support," he said.
"There is a strong community here and they're well embedded in the community."
Mr Fitzpatrick was reported as having played hurling for Laois at minor level.