It is understood he had been in an induced coma. The 18-year-old, who was a sixth-year pupil at CBS The Green, in Tralee, had been swimming with friends by Fenit Pier when the incident occurred. Kerry County Council’s Leas-Chathaoirleach Fionnán Fitzgerald, in a statement on behalf of the school, said: “Today CBS The Green and the surrounding community are coming to terms with the passing of our student Luke Silles. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his parents Tony and Paula, his brother and sister Oran and Aimee, his extended family and large circle of friends. “No words can capture our sense of loss and pain at this time. Our hearts are broken.” He said Luke was a very popular student at The Green and was highly regarded by both staff and students. Mr Fitzgerald, who was one of Luke’s teachers, also spoke of Luke's love of sport, saying he not only loved sport but also loved representing his school. He played football for The Green and was part of the team that won the Br Taft competition in 2022, the year he was also part of the soccer team that won The U-15 Kingdom Cup. He added: “He was kind, gentle, thoughtful, good-humoured, cared deeply for all and engaged positively with everyone. “He had a kind word and a smile for all he met. “Luke was preparing for his leaving cert examination alongside his classmates and always showed gratitude for guidance given. “Luke Silles encapsulated the spirit of The Green.” He pointed out that since Luke’s death, the school has implemented its critical incident plan and is working closely with various agencies — in particular, the National Educational Psychological Service — to provide support for students and the wider school community. He also said: “The loss of Luke is deeply felt by all who knew him but he will be remembered for the light he brought to our lives.” In a post on social media, his local club — Ballymacelligott GAA — said the community was "mourning the loss of our beloved Luke". The club said: "Luke was sporting, witty, smart and roguish. He was called early by our creator at just 18 years of age. "His family and our club have been denied a great man. "Rest in peace Luke. Go marfaidh tú I measc na naomh" In a letter to The Kerryman newspaper earlier this week his father Tony had paid tribute to the “overwhelming” support and prayers he and his family had received from people since the accident. As well as paying tribute to his son being “an extremely positive, thoughtful, outgoing child, boy, and young man”, he had said that “everywhere Luke has gone he has touched a spark in people so that one would remember meeting him and encountering him”.