Body of Irish man killed in US to arrive home tomorrow

The body of a Limerick man killed in the US will arrive in Ireland tomorrow after a charitable trust endeavoured to pay the repatriation costs.

A flight carrying Jason Corbett's remains will leave North Carolina this evening, and is expected to land in Ireland on Wednesday.

Earlier this week, an offer was made by the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust to provide financial assistance for the cost of transit, and the trust's co-founder Colin Bell has confirmed that the offer has been gratefully accepted by Mr Corbett's family.

Mr Corbett (39), from Janesboro county Limerick, was found dead at his home in Wallburg, North Carolina on August 3rd following what the authorities described as a domestic disturbance.

He moved to the southern US state with his two young children four years ago following the death of his wife Mags, and later married local woman Molly Martins (32) who has been questioned by the police following his death.

The eponymously-named Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust was established by the parents of a young man from county Down who was killed in a hit-and-run in New York two years ago. It aims to help families whose loved ones have died in similarly tragic and unforeseen circumstances while abroad.

Colin Bell said the trust will do “whatever it takes” to bring Mr Corbett’s body back home.

According to his siblings, his express wish was to be buried alongside his first wife in Ireland. Funeral details have yet to be announced, and his family say they will delay arrangements until Mr Corbett’s children Sarah (8) and Jack (10) are brought back from the US.

The children were taken into the care of US social services following their father’s death, and three family members have since travelled to America in an attempt to gain custody.

A court hearing on the matter will take place on Friday, and the Department of Foreign Affairs has said consular assistance is being provided.

Friends and family of Mr Corbett have launched a separate appeal for financial help as they seek to bring the children home.