Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

General view of New York Avenue in DeLand, where the restaurant is located Google Maps
Shooting

Irish father of one killed in Florida restaurant shooting

The body of Tom Walsh, 43, from Tipperary was found at the Mainstreet Grill in DeLand.

AN IRISH MAN has been shot dead at a restaurant in Florida.

Tom Walsh, 43, originally from Tipperary, was killed at the restaurant he managed in DeLand in the north of the state on Saturday night.

His body was found by an employee inside the Mainstreet Grill after what police believe may have been an attempted robbery, WNDB News reports.

The kitchen worker was cleaning the restaurant, and discovered Walsh in one of the “public areas” just after 11pm, police said.

“All the indicators were there that it could be a robbery,” assistant police chief Randel Henderson told the Daytona News-Journal. No suspect has yet been arrested over the killing.

Police notified Walsh’s relatives, who reportedly still live in Ireland.

Walsh, who had one daughter, had moved to Florida in 1995 after a period working at Disney World in Orlando, the West Volusia Beacon reports.

It added that he was “loved by Mainstreet Grill customers for his kindness and quick wit”.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs told TheJournal.ie that they were aware of the reports, but said Mr Walsh’s family had not contacted them for consular assistance.

Your Voice
Readers Comments
3
    Submit a report
    Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
    Thank you for the feedback
    Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.