Irishman drowns in own home during killer hurricane as son pays heartbreaking tribute

Hurricane victim Aidan Bowles’s son Sam has responded emotionally to the flow of affection shown towards his dad in Ireland.

Aidan, 71, was found dead inside his one-storey cottage in Florida after residents were warned to evacuate as Hurricane Helene barrelled towards them. Tragically, Irish pensioner Aidan drowned in his own living room due rising waters caused by the killer hurricane.

His devastated son Sam, who said he had “lost my superman”, today issued a statement to express thanks at the outpouring of grief in Ireland for his dad.

Sam said of his dad, who left Glanmire in Cork 51 years ago: “Love this. It brings me so much happiness. My pops would love this. I miss him so much. He was such an awesome human.”

READ MORE: Irish man who died in Hurricane Helene pictured as son pays tribute to 'my superman'

READ MORE: Irish pensioner, 71, killed after Hurricane Helene rips through Florida

The death toll for the Category 4 hurricane currently stands at 130 people but this is expected to rise significantly over the coming days.

Tributes continue to be paid to Mr Bowles, with posts telling Sam: “You’re dad was the best.” Another said: “So heartbreaking. He was such an incredible man. Definitely thinking of you during this impossibly difficult time.”

One more wrote online: “He was truly a great man.” A friend said: "Beautiful tribute Sam. He’s proud of you and smiling from above.”

Sam’s father was a former lawyer and owner of an Irish pub. He was found last Saturday by his neighbour John Comer, who revealed that Aidan’s body was trapped under a dresser and covered in mud.

John said that Aidan, whose wife Sabrina died in December 2022, will be remembered for his kindness. Investigators believe Aidan, who had worked as a lawyer in New York, died from drowning.

The Irish Mirror contacted the Department of Foreign Affairs for comment. A spokesperson revealed that it is providing consular assistance.

He said: "As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the detail of individual cases."

Mr Bowles retired at the age of 55 and moved from Kentucky to Florida. His son Sam said: “I not only lost my dad, I lost my superman.”

He added: "He was a superhero. He adopted me when I was a one-year-old. He has done so much for me and for everyone he has come into contact with.”

Meanwhile, hundreds more have been reported missing after the storm left a trail of destruction that stretched more than 800 kilometres across the US.

American authorities estimate that the storm damage could top US$100bn (€90bn) and the country’s president Joe Biden is due to visit communities.

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