LAST UPDATE | 23 Aug 2025

A YOUNG BOY who died yesterday evening in a tragic incident at his family home in Co Donegal has been named locally.

Joey Forker, aged nine, died following an accident involving machinery on land at his family’s home on the outskirts of Dungloe.

Joey, a pupil at St Crone’s National School in the town, was helping his dad clear land when the accident happened.

A full investigation into the tragic incident has been launched by the Health and Safety Authority (HSA.)

The emergency services rushed to the scene following the incident which occurred just after 7pm last night.

However, the popular young boy was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragedy has shocked the local community, where the family are hugely well-known and respected.

County Donegal coroner Dr Denis McCauley was alerted and attended the scene last night.

A garda spokesperson confirmed earlier that a child had passed away.

“Gardaí and emergency services responded to a fatal incident at a premises in Dungloe, Co Donegal yesterday evening, Friday 22nd August 2025.

“A male child was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“His body was removed to Letterkenny University Hospital and a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.

“A file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court.”

Local TD and friend of the family, Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher, attended the scene of the tragedy last night.

“A veil of inconsolable sadness and heartbreaking grief has descended on the Dungloe area and right across West Donegal with this tragic accident that has led to the loss of such a young and energetic life,” the TD said.

“I was present at the scene last night where there was such a sense of shock, the brevity of the loss was devastating and the hearts of everyone present just ached for the family of the deceased,” he said.

“I wish to pay tribute to all the emergency services, local fire services, HSE, gardáí and Father Pat Ward, parish priest of Burtonport.

“I humbly ask that in the days ahead that our prayers and all our moral support are guided towards helping the family of the deceased at this devastating time.”