A 15-year-old boy who died when the e-scooter he was travelling on collided with a bus in the early hours of last Thursday morning in Waterford has been remembered at his funeral on Tuesday as a very upbeat youngster who always had a smile on his face.
Gilbert Collins, of Ardmore Park in Ballybeg in Waterford, died alongside his friend Avuzwa Idris when the e-scooter they both were using collided with a private coach on the Cork Road.
The driver of the empty coach was shaken but physically uninjured in the incident.
A prayer service was held at Hennessy’s Funeral home in Johnstown in Waterford on Tuesday morning. Hundreds of local people gathered for the service.
Marvellous Okin, an older brother of Gilbert, told mourners that his brother was a very warm and optimistic person.
"The way my brother used to smile and laugh.
"He never let the bad days take away the smile that he had on his face.
"As a big brother, I never thought he would be the one giving me a lesson on life, even as he's leaving us, but it is something I will take from this incident.
"Me saying he was a character was an understatement. Because he was so much more. I can't see Gilbert without picturing him smiling or laughing about something.
"Even now I know he's looking down, and he's probably asking me: Why am I crying?"
"He had so much life in him, I’ve never seen anything at all like him. I could be giving out to him and he’d still find a way to make me smile and laugh.
"He never let anything negative affect the smile he had on his face every day. And that's something I think all of us, even his close friends can use as a motivation to get past this. We will all deal with it differently."
Marvellous Okin emphasised that Gilbert would want all of his friends to be there for each other following the tragedy. He said that the premature passing of his younger brother had left a hole in his life whilst thanking all those who had helped the family in recent days.
"All of this is not going to be easy on us or anyone who had the chance to know and cherish his memory. But one thing I can say is that he left us with good memories.
"The school, the community and close friends of Gilbert - we thank you for everything. We also hope that the support will go to the young kids who were also friends with Gilbert.
"Again, I think there is a lesson to take - kids and teenagers need to be more attentive to what their parents advise them.
"We all also need to appreciate our loved ones more because in this life, we never know what can happen. Thank you Gilbert for the memories, the lessons and the good times. Rest easy and rest in peace."
Gilbert is survived by his parents Bobby and Ronke, brothers Albert and Marvellous Okin and his sister Precious Okin, his grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family, neighbours and friends. The St Paul’s Community College student was laid to rest at Kilbarry Cemetery in Ballybeg.
The teenagers were on their way back from a gym which operates 24/7 when the fatal collision occurred. Gilbert was pronounced dead at the scene. Avuzwa Idris of Crystal Mews on the Cork Road in Waterford, died in hospital following the incident.
He is survived by his parents, Fatah and Priscilla, siblings Mury, Nur, Adam, Noora and Aminah, uncles Kasim and Yusuf, extended family, relatives, neighbours and friends.
A memorial service for Avuzwa, who had just completed his Leaving Certificate at De La Salle College in Waterford, will take place at Maranatha Christian Community Church on Wednesday at 6.30pm.
His funeral will take place at 10am the following day in the church with burial following at Kilbarry cemetery.
Meanwhile, Mayor of Waterford City and Council, Cllr Jason Murphy opened a book of condolence for the teenagers in the wake of the tragedy.
Cllr Murphy said that the people of Waterford were keen to express their support to the grieving families.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends affected by this devastating loss. We can only imagine what both families are going through — for two young boys to die at such a young age.”
Bishop of Waterford and Lismore Alphonsus Cullinan also offered his sympathy following the tragic loss of the youngsters.
"Our hearts are heavy with sorrow for the families and loved ones of these two young souls. The loss of such promising lives in a sudden and senseless incident is a profound tragedy that has deeply shaken our community.
I offer my deepest condolences to the families of Gilbert and Avuzwa during this incredibly difficult time. No words can adequately express the pain and grief that accompanies the untimely passing of beloved individuals, especially when they are so young and full of potential.
In times like these, it is important for us to come together as a community to support one another, to offer comfort and solace to those who are mourning, and to reflect on the fragility of life. Let us cherish every moment we have with our loved ones, and strive to create a safer environment for all members of our community.
May Gilbert and Avuzwa rest in peace, and may their memories be forever cherished in our hearts."
