An Irish priest has died in Mexico after falling from a ladder while carrying out repairs to a roof at his home.
Fr Eddie Elliott, originally from Ringsend, Dublin, died on April 12th following the incdient in Actopan in the state of Hidalgo. The 75-year-old was ordained aged 32 and spent more than 40 years in Mexico with the Divine Word Missionaries.
An accomplished artist and singer, Fr Eddie was a popular figure in Ringsend, to where he regularly returned on holiday to visit family. Relatives described him as “a very kind and thoughtful person with a wicked sense of humour”.
He was also an animal lover and while based in Mexico City helped rehome more than 30 dogs. At the time of his death, he was caring for six dogs and four cats.
A family spokesperson said: “He saw the best in everyone and touched the hearts of many. He came home on vacation every three years and loved meeting up with neighbours and friends.
“He was a very active and fit person who exercised every day and walked his six dogs for miles every day in the mountains. He loved music and played the guitar and sang. He sent videos of him singing and playing the guitar on all occasions. He was also an amazing artist. He will be sadly missed.”
Fr Elliott is survived by his sister May Pullen, brother-in-law Jimmy Pullen and niece, Wendy Smyth, as well as a wide circle of friends and colleagues. He is to be buried in Mexico at a future date and a service of remembrance will take place at St Patrick’s Church in Ringsend in the coming days.