THE FAMILY OF Irishman William Deasy, who was killed in Mozambique, have released a statement to “clarify the circumstances surrounding his untimely death”.

Initial reports indicated that the 32-year-old from Cork was shot while working on a project for Kentz Engineering in Moma in north-eastern Mozambique yesterday.

Today the family said the autopsy revealed that Deasy died as a result of a serious assault and has “thankfully confirmed that previous reports of gunshot wounds were incorrect”.

William was bright, intelligent, ambitious and dedicated himself to his new job with great pride and energy. It was a measure of his determination and ability that he was shortly planning to further his qualifications by attending King’s College in London. William will be very deeply missed by his distraught and proud parents Pat and Abina, by his sisters Emma and Susan and by his brothers David and Paul.

The family thanked the man’s employer Kentz and especially their extended family, friends and neighbours as well as his many close friends and associates for their “support and expressions of sympathy”.

Related: Police in Mozambique investigate death of Irishman William Deasy>