The six Irish students that lost their lives as a result of the collapsed balcony at an apartment building in Berkeley in California have been named.
The students that lost their lives as a result of the tragedy are: Niccolai Schuster (21), Eoghan Culligan (21), Ashley Donohoe (22), Olivia Burke (21), Lorcan Miller (21) and Eimear Walsh (21).
Commenting on today's terrible events, Philip Grant, Irish Consul General, said: "We are in emergency response mode. We have thousands of Irish students who come on a work exchange programme.
"We are frozen in shock and disbelief. We have been overwhelmed by the support from all the communities in the Bay Area. Ireland is a small country. Very few have been left untouched."
"There are many questions that need to be answered but at the moment we are concentrating on providing assistance to those affected," he added.
"We couldn't have asked for a warmer support network here. Our hearts are breaking but it is good to know that so many stand with us."
Mayor of Berkeley Tom Bates said: "We're all awestruck by the incredible tragedy that occurred last evening. Our thoughts go out to the families and friends of the deceased at this terrible time.
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