RIP: Tributes paid to Cork student who died in tragic rock climbing accident

Tributes have been paid to Italian student Lorenzo De Bonis, who died while rock climbing in County Cork last week.

Lorenzo (27) was climbing at Fox’s Cliff at the Eastern Hole in Baltimore Harbour when the accident occurred.

The marine biologist, who was studying at University College Cork (UCC), was living in Blackpool in Cork City but was originally from Rome.

The alarm was raised at 8:30pm last Thursday after Lorenzo’s partner was unable to contact him.

A search was carried out and his body was subsequently recovered by a local diver on Friday.

READ NEXT: RIP: 'Beautiful girl'- Shock and heartbreak as Irish nurse dies unexpectedly

The Irish Whale and Dolphin Group (IWDG) paid tribute to the Italian student in a statement on their website.

It stated: “Lorenzo loved all outdoor activities including sailing and climbing, and it was the latter that led to his untimely passing when he fell while climbing off Baltimore, Co Cork. Thank you to the lifeboat and local boat people who recovered his body for his family to mourn and bury.

“Our sincere condolences to his parents Concetta and Riccardo and his partner Signe. Our hearts go out to you all.

“Lorenzo will live on in our hearts and we will ensure his work will be published and leave some legacy.”

Meanwhile, one of his UCC colleagues said: “Lorenzo was such a brilliant mentor to me over the past 6 months at UCC.

“He brought huge enthusiasm to his work and he was so passionate about life. He will be so truly missed. He was one of a kind.

“Thank you for everything Lorenzo. We will continue to work to protect the ocean and our planet with you at the forefront of our minds forever.”

Lorenzo will be sadly missed by his parents Riccardo and Concetta, his sister Chiara, and the wider De Bonis family.

He is deeply regretted by his partner Signe Martin, the wider Martin family and all his many friends and colleagues in Italy, UCC, ATU, and the Marine Biology and climbing communities In Ireland and beyond.

Lorenzo’s funeral will take place in Rome on Friday.