Tributes paid to Irish man following fatal fall at Bulgaria ski resort

Aidan Bergin (29) died in hospital after falling near the Todorka mountain peak

Aidan Bergin fell after losing his balance, the Bulgarian Red Cross said. Photograph: RIP.ie
Aidan Bergin fell after losing his balance, the Bulgarian Red Cross said. Photograph: RIP.ie

Tributes have been paid to an Irish man who died following a fall at a Bulgaria ski resort.

Aidan Bergin (29) from Kylemore, Clonea, Dungarvan, Co Waterford, is understood to have been seriously injured after falling into a gully near the Todorka mountain peak, a popular ski resort in Bulgaria, on January 28th.

The Bulgarian Red Cross said initial information suggested he was part of a group taking photographs when he lost his balance and fell from a height of about 600m. The Red Cross was alerted to the incident at 2.30pm local time, and emergency services attended the scene.

Mr Bergin died the following day in hospital.

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Due to difficulties with a helicopter, it took rescuers an hour to move the Irishman from the spot where he fell and bring him to hospital in the nearby town of Razlog.

Dr Valentin Belchev said: “Life-saving measures were taken, and a full assessment of his injuries was carried out. But despite all efforts of our medical team, he eventually succumbed to his grave injuries.”

Paying tribute, one family friend said: “I am so desperately sorry to hear of Aidan’s far-too-untimely passing ... He was such a lovely person and I am glad to have known him.”

He is survived by his parents Joe and Máire, brothers Patrick and Eoghan and sister Niamh.

His family confirmed Aidan had travel insurance and asked for any donations to be sent to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said it is providing consular assistance to the Bergin family.

No funeral arrangements have been made yet.

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