Body of Irishman killed in New Zealand earthquake identified

Kerryman's body discovered

MOLLY MULDOON,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 9:10 AM

Updated Wednesday, March 9, 2011, 9:10 AM

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The body of a Kerry man who died in the recent earthquake in Christchurch, New Zealand has been recovered, the Department of Foreign Affairs has confirmed.

JJ O’Connor had been missing since the quake hit on February 22 after becoming trapped under the rubble of the Pyne Gould Guinness building in the center of the city.

Since the quake struck rescue workers have been working tirelessly to free those trapped under the rubble, but early last week they warned that there was no hope of finding any more survivors among the wreckage.

Originally from Abbeydorney, Co. Kerry, O’Connor is survived by his wife Sarah and their two-year-old son Daniel. The deceased man’s wife is expecting their second child in May.

The family had been living in New Zealand since last September, and the 40-year-old Irishman had begun working at the Pyne Gould Guinness accountancy firm soon after.

It is understood that he will be buried in New Zealand.

So far two Irish people have been confirmed as fatal victims of the quake. Owen McKenna originally from Co. Monaghan also perished in the earthquake.