RIP: 'The kindest young man' paid tribute after he died tragically in house fire

Tributes have poured in for 30-year-old Kevin Kelly who died tragically alongside Sonia (Sunny) Jacobs in a tragic house fire in Galway.

Kevin was Sunny's caretaker and also cared for Sunny's husband up until the day he passed away in 2023. He made a promise to Sunny's husband that he would take care of her before he passed away.

Kevin also dedicated a large part of his life volunteering at a dog shelter and is remembered by all who knew him as an amazing, kind man who was always smiling.

A Go Fund Me has been set up to support Kevin's family following his tragic death. It can be found below.

His RIP.ie tribute piece read: "Lovingly missed and always remembered by his mother Fiona, his father Ken, Ken's partner Maureen and her son Jonathan, Kevin’s partner Sheree, his siblings Jill and Cúán, brothers-in-law Conor and Kal, Beloved nieces Hailee-May and Aila- Rose , nephew Ezra, all extended family, friends and neighbours."

Heartfelt messages have been left on RIP.ie for Kevin from his home town in Galway to as far as New York City.

Sunny Jacob's brother Alan wrote a message for Kevin which said: "Kevin, we only met on FaceTime but I want to thank you so much for taking care of my big sister Sunny Jacobs. I know that Peter asked you to look after her, after he died and that’s exactly what you did. So you rest in peace, my friend, knowing that you kept your word, and that is the sign of a true honorable man. From me and my family, we thank you from the bottom of our hearts."

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Another message said from a lady in Galway said: "Kevin I didn't know you, but I would have loved to have known you. Without a shadow of a doubt you were a very special and amazing person and to all his Family you should be so very proud of him and how caring and wonderful he was. A young man to be so compassionate and caring for people and animals, is something very special to read and hear about. I feel the good lord loved you in life and now wanted you beside him and that you are wrapped up in love for all your wonderful goodness that you did in your very short life. Kevin rest now and thank you for being such a lovely young man."

"Dear Kevin, I'm so shocked and saddened to hear about your tragic passing. My sincere condolences to all who loved you - family, friends and colleagues. While it's a number of years since I last met you, you were the one who showed me the ropes when I first started volunteering at the MADRA kennels. I learnt a lot under your stewardship.
You took your role seriously, but we had fun times too and you had a great laugh. I'm so sorry that your life has been taken from you far too soon," another person wrote.

"He would have spent every Saturday out in Madra walking the dogs when I was a teenager (10-12 years ago). Kevin was always the first friendly face we'd be greeted to on arrival. He was the kindest young man you ever could meet and just so happy to be surrounded by his beloved dogs. I have fond memories of sitting in the cabin in between dog walks chatting over a cup of tea. His big smile and kindness to us and all those dogs over the years will never be forgotten. A most genuine, down to earth, generous and gentle young man who was absolutely magical with dogs. Our sincerest of condolences to Kevin's family, friends and partner Sheree. Sending you strength over the coming days, months and years. A true gentleman has been taken from this cruel world. May he rest in peace," another tribute read.

86 donations have been made to Kevin's Go Fund Me so far, with over €3K raised and counting.

The Go Fund Me said: "He was a beloved son, brother, partner and friend who will be incredibly missed. He touched so many lives and made such a positive impact during his short time on earth.
A passionate dog lover and trainer, who spent many years working for MADRA dog rescue, he was adored by everyone who knew him. He will be remembered in the hearts of many as a “free spirit” who was always smiling and went above and beyond to help others. His death has shocked an entire community and there is a true feeling of heaviness and sadness in the air.

"Given the very sudden and tragic nature in which he died, I am raising funds in order to help his family cover some of the financial costs of his funeral which took place on 7th of June in Discovery Church in Galway.
His family have suffered such an unimaginable and heartbreaking loss. I really wish to ease even a small bit of this hardship and allow them to grieve without having such a huge financial burden also hanging over them."