Irish students form guard of honour on Greek island of Ios after teenagers’ deaths

Irish students formed a guard of honour along the streets of Ios as the bodies of two teenagers who died on holiday left the Greek island.

St Michael’s College principal Tim Kelleher told media that students placed yellow roses on the hearses of Andrew McDonnell and Max Wall as they travelled on to a ferry departing towards Athens.

A post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out in the Greek capital later on Tuesday.

The two students had attended the Dublin school and completed their Leaving Certificate exams last month.

Investigations are under way into the cause of death of the teenagers.

The school released an initial statement about the death of Andrew before later confirming Max had also died.

Irish deputy premier and minister for foreign affairs Micheal Martin previously said a consular officer was in Ios supporting the families involved.

He described the teenagers’ deaths as “devastating” and “every parent’s nightmare”.

A book of condolence has been opened at St Michael’s College and floral tributes have been laid.

The Dublin school said in a statement on Sunday that Max was “a constant source of positivity” and described Andrew as a “popular” student and a “committed” footballer.

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