THE bodies of an American couple killed in a freak horse-and-cart accident in Co. Kerry this week have been cremated, as their family begin arrangements for their repatriation.
Joy Few, 64, and her Canadian-born partner Normand Larose, 62, were fatally injured when they were thrown from a pony-and-trap into a ravine close to the Gap of Dunloe at around 2pm on Monday.
The tourists, who were visiting Ireland from Phoenix, Arizona, were pronounced dead at the scene after falling some 20ft when their horse bolted. The animal also died in the incident.
The couple were on holiday with Ms Few's daughter Tonya Tier and her husband Bill Walthers, as well as their children Caitlin, 15, and Gavin, 8.
Ms Tier, her husband and their two children were travelling in another pony-and-trap just behind Ms Few and Mr Larose at the time. They did not witness the accident, but came across the horrifying scene moments after it had occurred.
The pony man driving the trap, aged in his 40s, managed to jump clear and avoid injury, but was brought to University Hospital Kerry to be treated for shock and is said to be hugely distressed over the incident.
The Kilgarvan native has not been charged with any offence but Gardaí hope to speak with him over the coming days.
Following the completion of post-mortem examinations on the deceased, the bodies of Ms Few and Mr Larose were cremated during a ceremony at the Island Crematorium in Ringaskiddy, Co. Cork earlier today.
According to the Irish Times, the ashes will be brought back to Phoenix, Arizona for a funeral service next week by Ms Tier and her family – who have been supported by a Garda liaison officer since the tragedy.
Ms Few worked as a research supervisor for the Mayo Clinic in Phoenix and was of Irish ancestry herself.
Mr Larose worked in construction in Phoenix and was a keen biker in his spare time.
May they both rest in peace.
