The sister of Dara Fitzpatrick, Captain of Rescue 116 paid him a touching tribute on what would have marked his 51st birthday.
The mother-of-one tragically lost her life when a Coast Guard helicopter crashed on Blacksod Island, off the coast of Mayo at 00.46am on March 14, 2017, killing all four people on board .
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Dr Niamh Fitzpatrick today told how her sister was ‘one of the really good people in life’ who is ‘missing every day’ in a heartbreaking tribute.
She wrote on Twitter: “Today marks the date my smiling, sunken-cheeked baby sister Dara came into the world.
“She grew up to be warm, funny, big-hearted, kind. And brave. So brave. She was one of the really good people in life.
“Happy Birthday, Dara Fitz. Loved and missed everyday.”
Captain Fitzpatrick was a well-known member of the Coast Guard service and had nearly 20 years of experience.
The decorated pilot was picked up at sea shortly after the helicopter plunged into the sea off Mayo, but later died in hospital.
Dara left behind her three-year-old son, Fionn, when she died in 2017.
Responding to Niamh’s heartbreaking message, Achill Island RNLI explained how Dara will always hold a “special place” in their hearts and said, “One of the truly good people in life indeed. This world is a much better place to have. Dara inside.
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“Dara holds a very special place in our hearts, not just today, but every day. Like the entire Fitzpatrick family. Love and big hugs to you all from the entire Achill Island RNLI team.”
Others flooded the comments section with condolences and praise for the brave pilot.
One said: “Happy birthday Dara, thank you for everything you have done not only at work but in your life.
“I hope you are at peace and I wish your birthday brings smiles and comfort to everyone who knew you.”
Another added: “A landmark day in the world of bereavement. She really
was a hero. She was so wonderful in your life and so sad that she isn’t anymore. May you cross gently today.”
The remains of Captain Mark Duffy were found 12 days after the tragedy and the remains of their colleagues, Winchman Ciarán Smith and Winch Operator Paul Ormsby, remain lost at sea.
Earlier this year, a jury at an inquest into the tragedy confirmed that all four deaths were accidental.
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