A young Irish man has tragically died after getting into difficulty while swimming during a holiday in the Dominican Republic.
29-year-old James Gribben, from Armagh, passed away on Sunday after getting into difficulty in the water, having been out for a walk along a beach on the Caribbean island.
Tragically, he never returned, and his family have been left heartbroken by his sudden death, describing him as a "wonderful son" and a young man with a "big personality".
James's devastated father, John, told The Irish News: "The family is devastated by this unexpected tragedy."
"James was a wonderful son with a big personality. He will be sadly missed by his family and circle of friends," Mr Gribben said.
The popular Armagh man is survived by his parents John and Aideen and his brothers Tomas, Brendan and Henry.
A death notice shared by J.J McArdle & Sons Funeral Directors described him as "very deeply regretted by his sorrowing family and friends".
Tributes have poured in for James, who was well-known among the local GAA community.
Armagh GAA fan page, Armagh Fans 1889, said in a post on Facebook: "James was a huge supporter of Armagh GAA and followed the team all over the country. Our thoughts go out to his parents John and Aideen, and his brothers Tomas, Brendan and Henry. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Friends and former colleagues have also paid tribute online, with mourners remembering him as a "lovely lad" and a "gent of a man".
One former colleague wrote: "In utter shock with this sad news. He was such a lovely lovely lad.. I had the absolute pleasure of working with him.
"Doesn't matter how long you've known someone, it's the impression they made on you! Life is too cruel. May he rest in peace. Thoughts are with his poor family."
Another wrote: "An absolute gent of a man had the pleasure of working with him and attending Armagh games with him, may he rest in eternal peace."
A third tribute read: "RIP James, one of the nicest guys I ever worked with and a massive Armagh fan. Sincere condolences to all his family at this very difficult time."
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is assisting James' family, and funeral arrangements will be announced at a later date.
READ MORE | Fundraiser launched to bring home Irish mum who tragically died on ‘trip of a lifetime’
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