A DEVASTATED family have told how their “hearts are shattered” after a young Co Down man passed away in Australia.

Conor Molloy, from Gilford in Co Down, was yesterday fighting for his life in a coma in Sydney.

However, it was sadly confirmed this morning that the young man, who had been working down under before his tragic death, had passed away.

Conor’s family had flown to Australia to be by his side and the local community in Co Down had put together a fundraiser to aid them with medical and travel expenses as they supported him.

In an emotional post on social media in the early hours of this morning, Conor’s little brother Shay told how his sibling peacefully passed away in Sydney “surrounded by people who loved him very deeply”.

He said: “Our hearts are shattered

“Thank you to the staff and Doctors at RPA in Sydney who cared for our Conor with such respect kindness and love to him and our family and friends.

“Conor was thee most loving kind funny big brother I could have ever asked to be in my life.

“Who ever met him I know will be thankful for the time with him. He was a very special person, a good man.”

Shay continued: “Mum and Dad, myself and sister thank everyone from the bottom of our broken hearts for all the support from our wee village Gilford, Ireland, Sydney, and round the world for our travel, prayers, candles, messages.

“Honestly we felt every one of them and they will help carry us on our heartbroken journey back home to Ireland to lay our beautiful Conor to Rest in Forever Peace. Love from your little bro xxx.”

Local Gilford Amateur Boxing Club put together an online fundraiser that raised over €43,000 (£36,000) for the Molloy family.

Fundraiser organiser Gavin Duffy today shared his condolences to Conor’s family.

He said: “Everyone at Gilford ABC and the Gilford community would like to pass on our condolences to the Molloy and McCartan families on the untimely passing of their son Conor.

“The family would like to thank everyone for all the support, prayers and donations that they have received it truly has been amazing.

‘UNIMAGINABLE CHALLENGES’

“Please respect the families privacy at this time and thank you everyone once again for helping the family at this most difficult time.”

Yesterday, Local DUP MP Carla Lockhart urged members of the community to support the local family as Conor faced “unimaginable challenges”.

She told how his family had flown out to be by his side but were facing the “enormous financial burden” of living and medical costs during the difficult time so far from home.

She urged members of the community to donate to the fundraiser to show the family that “they are not alone.”

She continued: “I encourage anyone who is able to contribute to please consider donating. Let’s come together as a community to show Connor and his family that they are not alone.

Lockhart added: “Thank you for your kindness and generosity.

“Please keep Connor and his family in your thoughts and prayers.”