Emmanuel Familola, a 16-year-old Nigerian boy who tragically drowned while swimming in a river near the Buncrana community in County Donegal, Ireland, has been laid to rest.
The incident occurred on Saturday, May 10, 2025, when Emmanuel and two other teenagers got into difficulty while swimming in Lough Swilly. A search and rescue operation was launched after witnesses raised the alarm around 4 p.m.
According to reports, the body was discovered between Ned’s Point and Fahan, near Buncrana, and was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital. One of the three teenagers managed to swim to safety, while another was rescued from the water and remains in serious condition at the hospital.
Emmanuel’s funeral took place on Saturday, May 17, at St. Mary’s Oratory in Buncrana, with friends, family, and members of the local community in attendance.
During the service, Parish Priest Fr. Francis Bradley described Emmanuel as a young man with “a serene magnetism that crossed social, ethnic, and cultural boundaries,” adding that “his warmth and charisma spoke every language and touched every heart.”
In a tribute to his life, several personal items were brought to the altar, including a collage of photos from his recent work experience with the Department of Foreign Affairs in Dublin, a certificate he was due to receive that week, a Manchester City jersey reflecting his passion for football, and his Bible, symbolizing his strong faith.
Following the ceremony, Emmanuel was laid to rest at Cockhill Cemetery, located near the church.