Tributes were last night being paid to a ‘kind’ and ‘loving son’ who died in a freak accident while skiing.
Waterford man Aidan Bergin, 29, who was holidaying in southwestern Bulgaria, fell nearly 2,000 feet while taking a picture of the scenery last Tuesday, local police said.
The young man, who was from Dungarvan, was part of a group that had been visiting the skiing hotspot when he went to take a photograph.
Tragically, he lost his balance and fell. Efforts made to revive him were unsuccessful, and he died the next day.
Following the fall, Mr Bergin was found by a mountain rescue service team and taken to hospital in the nearby town of Razlog in a serious condition after suffering multiple injuries, according to emergency services.
Dr Valentin Belchev, part of the medical team that treated him, said: ‘Life-saving measures were taken, and a full assessment of his injuries was carried out. But despite all efforts, he eventually succumbed to his grave injuries.’
A Department of Foreign Affairs spokesman said they were ‘aware of the case and providing consular assistance’. They added: ‘As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the details of individual cases’.
Tributes were last night paid on social media to the popular young man who lost his life in the accident.
Aidan Bergin, 29, who was holidaying in southwestern Bulgaria, fell nearly 2,000 feet while taking a picture of the scenery last Tuesday
Popular spot: The resort on the outskirts of the town of Bansko where tragedy unfolded last week
His death notice read: ‘Aidan passed away on January 29, 2025 as a result of a tragic accident. Deeply missed by Niall, his parents Joe and Máire, brothers Patrick and Eoghan, sister Niamh and her fiancé David, aunts, uncles, cousins and his many, many friends both at home and abroad.
‘Aidan, taken so suddenly from us, will live in our hearts forever.’
A former schoolmate described how the world is now ‘a sadder place’ following Mr Bergin’s tragic death.
They wrote: ‘Heartfelt condolences to Aidan’s family, this is a loss no family should have to endure.
‘Aidan will always be remembered for his bright smile and caring nature. I remember our time in school together fondly although we weren’t close, I always enjoyed his company. The world is a sadder place with his loss.’
Another added: ‘There are no words to describe the heartbreak I am feeling for you all.
‘Aidan was a kind, clever and fun soul even as a young child and it has always been evident that your family unit is full of love, strength and friendships. I hope this helps on the darkest of days. You are all in my thoughts and I will always remember Aidan with fond memories.’
Another person wrote: ‘I am so desperately sorry to hear of Aidan’s far-too-untimely passing. He was such a lovely person and I am glad to have known him.’
The slopes in Bansko are described as having ski pistes located in two main centres: Chalin Valog, which has slopes ranging from 1,100 to 1,600m, and Shilgarnika, with slopes from 1,700m to 2,500m
Another mourner added: ‘I’m so sad for the awful loss of your beautiful and loving son and friend, Aidan.
‘Thinking and praying for you at this desperately sad time.’
Mr Bergin’s family confirmed he had travel insurance and asked for any donations to be sent to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
He is the second Irish tourist to die in Bulgaria in the last six months. Last June, Sligo man Geoffrey McManus, 39, died unexpectedly in the Eastern European country.
Mr McManus’s nephew Brandon launched a fundraiser to aid with costs in bringing his uncle back to Ireland. Sharing their story on the GoFundMe page, Brandon extended his appreciation on behalf of his family for ‘the love and support that we have received since Geoffrey has passed away’.
He added: ‘It has been overwhelming and both of my grandparents cannot thank you enough.’
Paying tribute to Mr McManus, Brandon wrote: ‘Rest in peace to my uncle Geoff. We will all miss you terribly, I’ll miss all the happy times with you.
‘Life is a tough road, Geoffrey would vouch for that but he would do anything for you.’
He continued: ‘He would mix with anyone, whether you had a lot of money or no money, Geoffrey would treat you the same as anyone else. We are all heartbroken for my grandparents, my mother and aunts but most importantly his kids.’
Mr Bergin had been staying at a ski resort that was described by several travel agents as a five-star premier luxury mountain resort, situated on the outskirts of the town of Bansko, along the Pirin Mountain.
The slopes in Bansko are described as having ski pistes located in two main centres: Chalin Valog, which has slopes ranging from 1,100 to 1,600m, and Shilgarnika, with slopes from 1,700m to 2,500m.
Bansko has benefited from a multi-million-euro investment and boasts the most up-to-date ski facilities in Bulgaria.
It also has the best snow record and the longest ski season in the country, and is located 160km from Sofia Airport.