Elderly Irish immigrant dies off the coast of Massachusetts during fishing trip

Community in shock as husband, of 45 years, and father of five dies in tragic conditions

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Patrick Walsh, a 72-year-old immigrant from Ireland has died during a boating accident in the Squantum neighborhood of Quincy, MA.

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A 72-year-old immigrant from Ireland has died during a boating accident in the Squantum neighborhood of Quincy, MA. Patrick Walsh slipped while trying to step from his fishing boat into a dinghy tied to a mooring.

Walsh immigrated to the United States with his wife, of 45 years, and raised a family of five children in Quincy.

He had been spending the afternoon on his boat, last Thursday, with his friend Tim Sheehan (45) when the incident took place. They had been checking lobster pots when Walsh fell into the icy water. Sheehan dragged his friend to shore but it was too late, according to report in the Patriot Ledger.

Walsh was pronounced dead at the Quincy Medical Center. Sheehan was treated for shock and hypothermia.

Norfolk County Sheriff Michael Bellotti, a neighbor of Walsh’s said “He was a down-to-earth, unassuming, hard-working family man who raised a highly regarded family.

“It is a shocking and devastating loss to the Squantum community.”

Quincy’s Ward 6 city councilor, Brian McNamee, said the news came as a shock. Walsh had been in strong condition.

“He was a very central figure in his family,” he said.

“The Walsh family is a popular and prominent family in Squantum, very active in the community. His passing is a tremendous loss.”
 

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