Star Irish Hurler Damian Casey Dies Suddenly at 28

Tyrone GAA star Damian Casey, 28, suddenly passed away last Friday at a hotel in Spain, where he was due to be groomsman at a wedding.

Casey is described as Tyrone’s ‘greatest ever hurler’ and an outpouring of grief has ensued for the athlete over the last week.

Grieving relatives were joined by hundreds of people at an emotional vigil in his home town of Dungannon on Sunday night.

Remains of Tyrone’s ‘greatest hurler’ Damian Casey to return home from Spain on Thursday. https://t.co/ybsvMgsFvL

— Darran Marshall (@DarranMarshall) June 22, 2022

We are deeply saddened to hear of the untimely passing of Damian Casey RIP. Damian was a terrific sportsman and the Academy and Tyrone's most prolific hurler. He represented both with grace and skill. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. pic.twitter.com/PWDHwI3sUX

— Academy Gaa (@GaaAcademy) June 18, 2022

Initial reports suggested Mr Casey had drowned following a tragic pool accident, his post-mortem has since stated that the cause of death was a heart issue, which Mr Casey suffered suddenly, causing him to to fall into a nearby pool. https://t.co/U8hKWNyy8K

— Wake Up UK (@StopNWO666) June 22, 2022

From the Belfast Telegraph:

Attendees were asked to all wear GAA jerseys and a statement from the Casey family was read out.

They said: “Our family has been hit with the worst news imaginable, and our hearts are broken.

“Words cannot express how devastating news of Damian’s death has been.

“We thank everyone for the support we are receiving from the local community and across the country.

“We ask that everyone avoids idle speculation and that we as a family are given time and space to process what has happened.”

A flag at the club grounds was flown at half mast.

Items commemorating Mr Casey’s life were placed on a table, including a hurling stick, Tyrone jersey and photographs.

Mr Casey scored 14 points for Tyrone in last month’s Nicky Rackard Cup victory over Roscommon at Croke Park.

Since he came into the senior county set-up a decade ago, the full-forward has started in over 100 games for the Red Hands, tallying over 1,000 points in total over the course of his Tyrone career in the league and Championship.

According to LeicestershireLive, Casey “died in a swimming pool accident in Spain.”

However, there are suspicions that a heart-related issue caused Casey’s accident in the swimming pool.

A personal friend found this story early this morning with the headline, “Damian Casey: Tyrone GAA star’s death result of heart issue with remains due to return home from Spain on Thursday.”

The text read, “While initial reports suggested Mr Casey had drowned following a tragic pool accident, his post-mortem has since stated that the cause of death was a heart issue, which Mr Casey suffered suddenly, causing him to fall into a nearby pool.”

A quick google search led me to the appropriate headline.

However, the article doesn’t reference a heart-related issue.

So, what gives?

Did Casey die of a heart-related issue?

Tragic swimming accident?

Whatever the cause of death, Casey is the latest young athlete to suddenly die since March 2021.

ok mathematicians, I am just eye balling the % increase.
Is it 2,500% increase?

— Wayne Rohde (@waynerohde) June 21, 2022

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