The LA Galaxy family is rallying around its captain after Robbie Keane’s cousins Alan and Stephen Harris passed due to complications from a sewer accident in Dublin earlier this week.
The two men had been inspecting underground pipes beneath a housing complex in Portmarnock when toxic fumes overcame them. Stephen rushed to aid his brother after he fell into a pit when coming into contact with the fumes, but Alan was pronounced dead on the scene by first responders after the pair were pulled from the sewers.
Following the announcement, Keane issued a statement via his official Facebook page.
“As you can imagine it’s been a very difficult time for our family. May Alan RIP and we continue to pray for Stephen. Thanks everyone for your kind messages and support.”
Stephen Harris remained in critical condition until Friday when he too succumbed to complications from the accident. Afterward Keane once again took to Facebook to pay tribute to his fallen family member.
“With a heavy heart I write this. May Stephen rest in peace. Once again I would like to thank you all for your kind messages and the love and support you have shown my family.”
With a heavy heart I write this. May Stephen rest in peace. Once again I would like to thank you all for your kind messages and the love and support you have shown my family.
Posted by Robbie Keane on Friday, June 12, 2015
The 34-year-old striker is still with the Republic of Ireland ahead of their important Euro 2016 qualifier against Scotland on Saturday. Whether Keane plays for the Irish on Saturday will be entirely the striker’s decision according to manager Martin O’Neill.
"It's entirely his decision if he wants to participate," O’Neill told reporters on Friday. "It's obviously very bad news this morning as well too so he's not great, I must admit. Obviously, we feel for the family."
On behalf of LAGalaxy.com and the entire Galaxy organization, we wish heartfelt condolences to Keane, and the entire Harris family.
Adam Serrano is the LA Galaxy Insider. Read his blog at LAGalaxy.com/Insider and contact him at LAGalaxyInsider@Gmail.com.
