FUNERALS for the victims of the Berkeley tragedy continue today, as Olivia Burke and Niccolai Schuster are laid to rest in Dublin.
This morning marked the second funeral service for Olivia, whose family was hit by a double loss in the tragic accident.
The 21-year-old died alongside her Irish-American cousin Ashley Donohoe, 22, last Tuesday, June 16, in the balcony collapse tragedy in Berkeley, California.
The Donohoe and Burke families came together to mourn the young women, who were described as being "almost like twins" in their closeness.
A joint funeral mass was held in Ashley’s hometown of Rohnert Park on Saturday (June 20), where Cork-born Monsignor Dan Whelton led the mourners. While the Donohoe family buried their daughter in California, the Burkes later boarded a plane back to Ireland for Olivia’s final journey back to Dublin.
Speaking at today’s service, Olivia’s father told of his daughter’s love for life – and reassured her grief-stricken friends that Olivia would always look down on them.
Co. Wicklow musician Hozier was also in attendance, playing The Work Song as Olivia’s coffin was carried from the Church of Our Lady of Perpetual Succour in Foxrock to her grave.
Just across the city in Rathgar, the Schuster family was saying their final goodbyes to Niccolai, better known to his friends and family as Nick.
The 21-year-old was an avid sports fan, which was reflected in the gifts that were offered to represent his life.
A Rangers jersey, a racing programme, a sports water bottle and a FIFA controller were among the gifts offered by his devastated friends.
After the service Niccolai’s remains were cremated at Mount Jerome Crematorium in Harold’s Cross, Dublin.
Lorcán Miller will be the final victim of the tragedy to be laid to rest tomorrow, when his grieving family bury him in a private ceremony.
Yesterday saw Eimear Walsh and Eoghan Culligan’s families say their final goodbyes in separate services in Dublin.
