A Co Down man has died while on holiday in Gran Canaria.
The man, named locally as Dean Dobbin from Downpatrick, is understood to have been found in a holiday apartment in the resort of Puerto Rico.
Reports from the island have suggested that a cleaner raised the alarm on Monday after finding him when she tried to enter the apartment at around 12.30pm.
He is understood to have been pronounced dead at the scene.
It was also reported that a post mortem was due to take place on Wednesday.
The Department of Foreign Affairs is providing assistance with the case, while the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust are assisting with the return of his body.
A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it was aware of the case and is providing consular assistance.
“As with all consular cases, the Department does not comment on the details of any specific case,” the spokesperson added.
SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said: “This will come as devastating news and will be compounded by the difficulty of it happening overseas.
“It is never easy to lose a loved one, but to see a young life cut short in such circumstances is unimaginable.
“I understand that police in Gran Canaria are investigating the circumstances of the man’s death and the family must be kept updated at this difficult time.
“I hope that we will soon see the man’s body released by the authorities so that he can be returned to Downpatrick and laid to rest.
“I know that people in this area will rally around the family as they come to terms with their loss and my heart goes out to them.”
A death notice said Mr Dobbin was a loving father, beloved son and much loved brother.
In a Facebook tribute post, his brother David wrote: “My bro, my everything...most beautiful heart you will ever have met....I love you brother.”
