Joey Forker of Meenmore, Dungloe, died following an incident involving machinery at his home on Friday evening, August 22.
The young boy was the son of Audrey and Joe and a brother to Jason and Jordan.
He was a pupil at Scoil Chróine in Dungloe.
Joey’s funeral mass will be held on Thursday, August 28, at 12 noon in St Crona’s Church, Dungloe with interment afterwards in Magheragallon Cemetery Gweedore.
Donegal TD Pat ‘The Cope’ Gallagher, who is a family friend and attended the scene of the incident, said a ‘veil of inconsolable sadness and heartbreaking grief’ has descended on the Dungloe area and across West Donegal.
He said the tragic accident led to the loss of a ‘young and energetic life.’
Speaking of the scene on Friday night, Deputy Gallagher said there was a sense of shock and the bereavement of the loss was devastating.
“The hearts of all present ached for the family of the deceased.
“I wish to pay tribute to all the emergency services, local fire services, HSE, Gardaí and Fr Pat Ward PP 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,” said Deputy Gallagher.
Following the incident, hundreds of tributes and messages have been posted on social media remembering Joey as a ‘beautiful young boy’ who was a ‘character’.
Local GAA club, CLG An Clochán Liath said, “On behalf of everyone at CLG An Clochán Liath we would like to express our sincere condolences to all the Forker family on the very sad passing of Joey Forker.
“To his parents Joe and Audrey, brothers Jason and Jordan, grandfather Willie, aunt Pauline, Mickey and Ryan, to all his extended family here in Dungloe and also in Gweedore, and to his friends, classmates and teachers in Scoil Chróine.
“We are so sorry for your loss and are thinking of you all at this extremely difficult time.
“You are all in our thoughts and prayers.”
Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the fatal incident at a premises in Dungloe, Co Donegal, on Friday evening, August 22.
A male child was pronounced deceased at the scene, and his body was later removed to Letterkenny University Hospital.
A post-mortem examination has taken place, and a file will be prepared for the Coroner’s Court, a Garda spokesperson said.
The Health and Safety Authority (HSA) has been notified and is to attend the scene.
In response to a query from the Irish Independent, the HSA spokesperson confirmed the organisation has launched an investigation and is “aware of the fatal incident”.
“As such, no further information is available at this time,” a spokesperson added.
A death notice for Joey reads, “The tragic death has occurred at his home of Joey Forker.
“Predeceased by his grandparent Nora Forker and grandparents nana Nora Friel and his papa Paddy Friel.
“Survived by his heartbroken parents Audrey and Joe, loving brothers Jason and Jordan, grandparent Willie, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family and friends.
“House strictly private at all times.”