A heartbroken Co Tyrone mother has paid a poignant tribute to her “beautiful” son after his death in a swimming tragedy in Bali.
Jonathan Joel (JJ) Kennedy, from Ballynakelly, Dungannon, died suddenly on Sunday, March 15, while on the Indonesian island.
In an emotional post on social media, his mother Amanda wrote: “My beautiful son, keep smiling in Heaven … till we meet again. Love you forever my wee man JJ.”
JJ, a devoted father-of-one, was 39. A death notice described him as a “devoted father of Jericho, loving son of Amanda and Joel and devoted brother of Vanessa and Diane”.
It added simply: “Sadly missed and lovingly remembered. Always loved, never forgotten, forever missed.”
According to reports Mr Kennedy’s body was recovered from the water off Nyang Nyang Beach, on Bali’s southern coast, after being spotted unconscious by tourists early on Sunday morning.
Friends have spoken of their shock and devastation at the loss of a man they described as “a lovely guy” and “a gentle giant”.
One friend said: “He was just the loveliest guy you could meet – an absolute gentleman. I heard the news on Tuesday morning and could not believe it. Everyone who was lucky enough to have known JJ has just been left heartbroken by what’s happened.”
Another posted of the “amazing memories” they shared with JJ growing up while one spoke of the “many fond memories from our younger days”.
Also a keen footballer in his younger days, JJ had played for Dungannon United Youth and Dungannon Rovers.
In a tribute, Dungannon Rovers said: “It’s with great sorrow that the club have learnt of the untimely passing of former player JJ Kennedy. JJ played in a successful side in the late 2000s that won a league and cup double. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family circle and his friends in the coming days and weeks.”
Authorities in Bali have confirmed that they are investigating the circumstances surrounding his death.
Nyoman Sidakarya, head of the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, said a number of agencies were involved in the operation after a body was reported floating in the sea off Nyang Nyang Beach.
“The evacuation involved several agencies, including the Denpasar Search and Rescue Office, the Water Police, South Kuta Police, Pecatu village authorities, Balawista South Kuta lifeguards, and members of the local community,” he said.
Funeral arrangements for Mr Kennedy will be announced later.
