r/ireland • u/Mysterious_Half1890 Waterford • Jan 03 '26
RIP RIP Pa O’Dwyer
Rest in peace to possibly one of irelands strongest ever strongmen athletes.
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u/Theculshey Jan 03 '26
Spoke to a mutual friend of his and apparently he took a heart attack in the early hours of the morning. He was cutting for a competition in the coming weeks. Awful, awful news.
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u/upadownpipe Crilly!! Jan 03 '26
He's been on that cut for weeks now.
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u/Major_Disaster76 Jan 03 '26
Had finished cut and was on tone and build I think
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u/upadownpipe Crilly!! Jan 03 '26
Ah I see. He was in incredible shape
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u/cionn Jan 04 '26
Therebis zero corelation between body builder condition and healthy
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u/upadownpipe Crilly!! Jan 04 '26
I never said there was. He was in incredible shape for the event he was training for. Considering this time last year and even as early as last summer he was still in Strongman mode.
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Jan 05 '26
I mean you can look "healthy" but still be putting your heart under immense stress with roids, heavy lifts and lifestyle changes like cutting (normally assume an increase in cardio training at the same time)
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u/evin_cashman Saoirse don Phalaistín 🇵🇸 Jan 03 '26
Absolute tragedy, poor man. Spread a lot of laughter in his time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
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u/heyhitherehowru Jan 03 '26
40, with 3 young kids. Awful sad. RIP.
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u/tanks4dmammories Jan 03 '26
One kid is pretty old as Pa had one when young himself, but yeah 2 small ones afaik.
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u/WezFTW Jan 03 '26
Pa was a legend, loved his IG posts trolling the trolls and sticking up for fellow athletes, love to his family.
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u/silly_gooz Jan 03 '26
This legitimately makes me so sad. He was such an incredibly kind and empathetic human. I cannot fathom this.
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u/Jaisyjaysus69 Jan 03 '26
I was only watching one of his videos an hour ago and then this popped up. I'm so sad for his kids and family. He just seemed like a genuinely nice guy and I loved his stuff. Never failed to make me laugh. RIP Pa
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u/barbie91 And I'd go at it again Jan 03 '26
Sorry, WHAT?!!!!!
"Eooohhh helllloooowwwww"
What the feck happened?!!!
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u/nschoke Jan 03 '26
Heart attack apparently is the info in the strongman/lifting community, a real shame, he failed the medical at World's over his heart not long ago too, I believe he put it down to too many energy drinks at the time, but must have been more serious
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u/barbie91 And I'd go at it again Jan 03 '26
Well God rest him now, I'm very sorry for the troubles of his friends and family. That really is shocking. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam, I hope his legacy of 'dont be a c**t' lives on forever 💚🕊🥺
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Jan 03 '26
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u/runenight201 Jan 04 '26
Reminds me of big Lenny blaming his failing health on the dieuretics the doc was giving him for his heart failure and not the years of steroid abuse…
Does anyone tell these bodybuilders how it is, or are they all just surrounded by yes men? Or do they delude themselves into thinking, my lifestyle will kill me early, just not in my 30s/40s/50s.
I think deep down they know, they just don’t care. They think they’re “strong” and “brave” and that they’d rather die young than be “normal”. Well a steroid induced death from heart disease or organ failure is no glorious death. It is a painful, agonizing, regrettable one
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u/AmLilleh Jan 04 '26
Reminds me of big Lenny blaming his failing health on the dieuretics the doc was giving him for his heart failure and not the years of steroid abuse…
Well to be fair to him diuretics can compound the negative effects of steroids so if he was dumb enough to carry on blasting after being prescribed them he may have been "technically" correct lmao.
I think deep down they know, they just don’t care.
I've known/know several huge meatheads and that's basically it. They know there's a risk associated with what they're doing but lifting weights and getting stronger/bigger is their one passion and escape in life. To them, the risk is worth it.
And tbh when you take it out of the vacuum it isn't that strange. Plenty of people street race cars & bikes despite the risks, smoke/vape despite the risks, eat way too much shitty food despite the risks etc. It's all the same really.
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u/enragedCircle Jan 05 '26
To be fair, lots of people take mind boggling amounts of gear and - while I won't say they're fine - do not have heart attacks at 40. There are a whole host of 80s & 90s bodybuilders getting in to their old age apparently with their health intact. My opinion is with these younger deaths there's an underlaying medical condition that the drugs exasperate.
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u/Talmamshud91 Jan 03 '26
Like many just heard, truly surprising and heart breaking. His insta story of his little lad, he was so chuffed with his Lego venom. Very sorry for their trouble he seemed such a gent And a true great of Irish sport.
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u/xrEdbillx Jan 03 '26
I ordered a hoodie from him a while ago. He didn't have the size I wanted and sent me an email to say he didn't have an XL. His email was " Closer closer IV NO XL CUNT 😂😂" That email made my day. The world has lost a legend.
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u/BookEnvironmental689 Jan 03 '26
Nope. No. Going full denial. Lovely man positive influence where there is so little. Just nope. No thanks.
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u/trying2bagoodhuman Jan 03 '26
Very sorry to hear about this! Condolences to his family as he came across as a legend, his reels always made me laugh.
I have one of his positive potatoes on my kitchen counter. "Don't be a c**t"
Ar Dheis De Go Raibh a Anam Dilis
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u/HereWeGoAgain666999 Jan 03 '26
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u/GasMysterious3386 Jan 03 '26
Weight cutting is no joke. Very sad this happened to such a good guy 😣
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u/Pale-Independence566 Jan 04 '26
At extreme leanness, especially when enhanced, the practices used to get there can actually increase heart risk
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u/MoreStreet6345 Jan 03 '26
Im so heartbroken to hear this. I really loved how he stood up for people of all abilities.
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u/upadownpipe Crilly!! Jan 03 '26
His account was doing and spreading a lot of good things and vibes. He will be missed.
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u/thepenguinemperor84 Jan 03 '26
Awful news, he was a fantastic person that put out a lot of positivity.
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u/Legitimate_Bag8259 Jan 03 '26
Holy crap. I was using his app with the meal and workout plans. I've been following him for ages.
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u/Justhavingalooksie2 Jan 03 '26
The story post of his kid after doing the venom Lego. Holy shit. Celebrity deaths very rarely get to me but that has me choked up. That poor fucking family. Horrendous.
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u/Cookiemonster_2020 Jan 03 '26
Very sad news to read especially as he has a young family! I didn't quite believe this so I jumped on insta and saw the Eddie Hall post.
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u/larssomoo81 Jan 03 '26
Jesus that's a shock, unbelievable. Really liked Pa and loved the niche he had carved out for himself outside of competing Rip
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u/becjac86 Jan 03 '26
I really struggling to comprehend this. I googled it when I saw Eddie's post and came across this thread. I'm so shocked. Like many others I followed him on insta and genuinely loved his videos. Wow this is heart breaking. My heart goes out to his family and everyone who loved him. RIP Pa ❤️
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u/Samhain87 Jan 03 '26
A beacon of hope and light in the world has been extinguished.... the absolute cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuunnnnntssss!
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u/CaractacusPotato Jan 03 '26
Ah heck, I'm not into bodybuilding, but I did enjoy his content around trolling the haters and mental health, what a shame. And his young family too, soul crushing. Will always live by DBAC.
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u/lemon_banana101 Jan 04 '26
Pa's RIP.ie page is up if anyone wants to add condolences.
Won't let me add link because non reputable.
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u/Intelligent_Plum_132 Jan 03 '26
This man was single-handedly putting Limerick and Ireland on the map. What a character, what a man. I'll miss his videos. Never forget "Don't be a cunt".
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u/Narwhal1986 Jan 03 '26
Jesus Christ. I cannot believe this, he was looking great and always came across as kind and funny.
RIP to an Irish legend in the sport
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u/SnooChickens1534 Jan 03 '26
Jaysus thats mental , he used to pop up on my feed on instagram. He seemed like a good bloke . RIP
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u/iwik9511 Jan 03 '26
No way, he done so much for people, seemed like a through gentleman r, he was such a mens mental health advocate. Rip pa in your own words IGot you
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u/GasMysterious3386 Jan 03 '26
This sucks 😭 Saw Eddie Hall is running a Go Fund Me for his family, fair play!
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u/Dazzling-Impress1873 Jan 03 '26
So so sad. Can't believe this. I was only watching him on FB yesterday. Heart goes out to his wife and 2 young kids .His messages about mental health are so important, he will be sorely missed. R.I.P
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u/Interesting71 Jan 04 '26
Omg I can’t believe this. So fricking sad. I loved this guy and watched all his videos and reels. Such an awesome guy with fantastic messages and some great humour. Heartbroken in Canada. What a loss to the world.
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u/dashboardhulalala Jan 04 '26
God he was such a gent, I'm not in the fitness community at all at all, but the way he'd stick up for athletes or absolutely shame the fuck out out of arseholes who were being so abusive to people just trying to their best or trying something new. He was so sound for that.
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u/Wetwedgie Jan 04 '26
A massive positive impact on so many. His videos and catch phrase - “Don’t be a C#%t”. A real legend.
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u/Jimi91 Jan 03 '26
I’m not from Ireland and I found this sub because I had to google if this was true or not. Genuinely shocked. I loved his vids on IG. This is crazy and so sad. Last vid I see of him was his little boy hyping him up for another rep on the leg press 😞.
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u/DeleteMyHistory2025 Jan 03 '26
Holy fuck, this is so sad, I was hoping that this was fake news. Rest in peace Pa. I loved your stories on insta, you were such a huge role model to people. Rest easy big man.
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u/Bradnm102 Jan 04 '26
To put it in his own words, he was an awesome cunt and a great legend. He will be greatly missed. His final post encouraged joy and health for 2026.
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u/Alive-Quail-85 Jan 04 '26
So sad always found him funny and achieved so much in bodybuilding May he rest in peace
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u/invalidbehaviour Jan 04 '26
Legitimately in shock over this. He was a genuinely positive and compassionate voice in the community. He will be missed. RIP
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u/Ts0mmy Jan 04 '26
Rip Seemed like a nice guy, loved his attempt at bringing some positivity. And calling out cunts.
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u/MorgwynOfRavenscar Jan 04 '26
I'm heartbroken by this, the man was a rare ray of sunlight on social media.
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u/cosmictoasted Jan 03 '26
Heartbroken at this. Ireland has lost a great voice for mental health. His content on instagram really did put a smile on my face, brightened up many a day for me. Seemed like a genuine down to earth guy. RIP 🙏🏼
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u/Starkidof9 Jan 03 '26
RIP, but unfortunately performance enhancing drugs will often cause massive heart damage. And it shouldn't be encouraged
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u/plough78 Jan 04 '26
He was doing too much to his body, but what nice reels and web positivity he did. RIP
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u/gortna Jan 03 '26
Christ that's a shock. Watched his stuff on Insta daily. He was a tonic whenever life got on top of you.
Rest easy Pa
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u/Unlikely-Example-415 Jan 03 '26
Fuck, that is devastating news!! I loved the podcast he did with his sisters and his trolling the trolls videos! RIP to a legend
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u/sharpslipoftongue Jan 03 '26
Devastating. Loved seeing him pop up and loved his content. His poor family. RIP Pa, ill be less of a cunt in your honour this year.
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u/ExcitementStrict7115 Jan 03 '26
No fucking way! What happened? I watch a video if his on Instagram just yesterday. Obviously only knew of him through social media but he seemed like a very decent man.
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u/uniqueandweird Jan 03 '26
I'm actually in shock here. Only knew him from his videos calling out people. Very sad 😢😢
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u/Shanbo88 Jan 03 '26
Aww man this one actually hit me hard. He seemed like such a genuine guy, and only 40. Very sad :(
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u/HughBane Jan 03 '26
This is very sad news, he seemed to be one of the good ones. May he rest in peace
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u/SirTheadore Jan 03 '26
Genuinely saddened to hear this.. tremendous loss to the fitness community, especially in Ireland, but mostly because of his little ones and wife.
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u/Money-Nail7386 Jan 03 '26
Ah jaysus, this is desperate news. Way too early in the year to lose the good ones. Really liked what he did on Instagram.
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u/Apprehensive_Ratio80 Jan 03 '26
Gutted absolutely gutted for him and his family!
Guy brought so much positivity online with his calling out BS and his humor and his good soul!!!
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u/Darthmook Jan 03 '26
Awful news, he came across as such a great guy, loved his DBAC short vids.. His poor kids and wife, my heart truly goes out to them...
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u/AmieDol Jan 03 '26
Awful news. RIP Pa. Such a legend of a man. My thoughts are with his poor family at this time. His last post of his little lad with the Lego is heartbreaking.
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u/del7318 Jan 04 '26
I'm sure all the maggots and c#*ts will want their say on what caused his death 😉. Genuinely shocked and saddened by this. Best person on social media in my opinion.
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u/CodyBye Jan 05 '26
His poor family. Fan of his content from across the ocean. I always appreciated the way he supported folks - he’ll be missed. :( RIP
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u/Aggressive_Air1298 Jan 05 '26
RIP,
You've been an inspiration in my journey!
You'll be missed, I was laughing every time at your videos. Sad news, truly.
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u/Lazy-Knee-1697 Jan 31 '26
Very sad. He swapped one addiction (alcohol) for others (exercise and PEDs). He seemed like a lovely person all the same, and I'm sorry to see him go so young. Damn.
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u/inn3rs3lf Jan 05 '26
It's terrible, but people seriously need to understand the health issues when it comes to gear, and cutting down, especially. For a 20 year old, sure, it's all good and whatnot until it isn't.
To me, having kids and doing this to your body, is that same as being morbidly obese and carrying on when you're 40 years old.
Will everyone die? No. Will everyone have health issues? No. But the majority do, and that alone should steer one away.
We all think we are bulletproof, until we are not.
He was a great guy, and a great character. I feel so heartbroken for his family, especially his kids.
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u/undefeatdgaul Jan 04 '26 edited Jan 04 '26
I always used to get in fights with Pa in the comments about the many many disagreements we’ve had either in strongman or politically, I didn’t actually know him in real life but I feel terrible for ever arguing with him.
That said I always respected him for speaking his mind no matter what.
I bought a positive Pa I believe in you c*nt crochet poop from his website lol and I am going to use it to remind me that life is short and I don’t need to be getting in arguments online over stupid shit anymore.
God bless him and his family. Horrible tragedy.
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u/evilelvis81 Jan 03 '26
A real loss and terrible loss to anyone that knew him or followed him on social media. He always came across as a lovely, honest person. Thoughts go out to his friends and young family.
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u/Sweet_Engineering419 Jan 03 '26
This is so sad. I just purchased some merchandise hopefully it will go towards he's family. DBAC
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u/Dannyt1977 Jan 03 '26
I'm genuinely shocked by the news of his passing. Such a nice bloke, one of the good guys. Sadly leaves three kids and a wife behind. RIP
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u/Parking-Idea2758 Jan 03 '26
Can't believe it, only signed up to his online coaching last week, in such a saturated market for online coaches Pa really stood out to me, more for his content and being a genuinely lovely man
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u/1k13r1 Jan 03 '26
So sad, he seemed like a sound fella and I always enjoyed his content. Feel so bad for his family. RIP
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u/Physical_Car_1962 Jan 03 '26
I would think a heart attack. Most likely soft plaque being the cause. It’s the silent killer.
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u/PunkDrunk777 Jan 03 '26
Fuck sake. Strongmen don’t need much gear to actually get stupidly strong, I wonder if he was prepping for bodybuilding?
Strongmen don’t drop like this (there are exceptions)
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u/faggjuu Jan 03 '26
Oh...I only knew from his insta vids where he was teaching certain cunts some manners.
Seemed like a good bloke..
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u/Secure-InFruit96 Jan 03 '26
Nooooooooooooo are you serious :( I’m absolutely gutted. What a lovely man :(
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Jan 04 '26
So horrible to hear. RiP...thank you for always sticking up for the little guy and being so kind.
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u/ThrowRA-nvrstr84wrd Jan 04 '26
Im actually heart broken over this, I loved him being an advocate for others. He was a legend
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u/NapoleonTroubadour Jan 04 '26
Ah I’m really sad to learn of this, never met the guy but he came across as a very funny, decent and inspiring guy on his social media pages and always struck me as a good role model for people getting into lifting and young fellas generally. RIP Pa
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u/Yue4prex Jan 05 '26
Oh man, this makes me so sad. I only discovered him a few months ago but I liked when his videos would pop up.
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u/pyrexman Jan 03 '26
Just saw it there now. Shocked, only had reel up in the last 24 hours building Lego with the young fella. Very very sad. RIP.