His body was discovered on Sunday amid the ongoing stretch of severe cold weather.

In a statement to JOE, a Garda spokesperson said that Gardaí and emergency services responded to an incident in Thomastown at around noon on Sunday (5 January).

This was amid the ongoing stretch of severe cold weather in Ireland.

The spokesperson said a man in his 40s was discovered deceased in a camper van.

"His body was removed to the mortuary at Waterford University Hospital. A file will now be prepared for the Coroner," the Garda spokesperson added.

He has since been named locally as Gerry Kennedy, a father of five from Tikerlevan, Coppenagh in Kilkenny.

Gerry Kennedy

The Irish Times reports that it is believed that Mr Kennedy may have died from carbon monoxide poisoning.

The paper says that he had been socialising in Thomastown on Saturday night (4 January) before deciding to sleep in his camper van due to a Status Orange snow/ice warning advising motorists against non-essential journeys.

The Irish Times also states that Mr Kennedy turned the camper van's engine on to stay warm and that it is understood that carbon monoxide may have then seeped into the vehicle as it remained stationary.

His RIP.ie notice reads:

"The death has taken place of Gerry Kennedy, Tikerlevan, Coppenagh, Co. Kilkenny. Gerry passed away unexpectedly on the 5th of January, 2025.

"Sadly missed by his sons Jack, Danny, Tom and Jamie, his daughter Lucy, their mother Denise, his parents Jim and Ann Kennedy, his brothers PJ, Michael, Niall and James, his sister Bernie, his extended family and many friends.

"Reposing in Walsh's Funeral Home, Graiguenamangh from 2pm on Thursday 9th of January, concluding at 8pm. Removal from Tikerlevan at 10.30am on Friday to arrive at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Skeoughvosteen for 11am Requiem Mass.

"Burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery. House private during the funeral time please."

Tributes have been paid to Mr Kennedy in the condolence section of his RIP.ie page.

One person wrote: "So sad to hear of the sudden passing of Gerry. An absolute gentleman who would always greet you with a smile on his face. Condolences to Jack, Danny, Jamie, Tom and Lucy and the extended Kennedy family. Rest in Peace Gerry."

Another said: "So shocked to learn of Gerry's sudden death. He was always up for the craic, and a pleasure to have in doing different jobs over the years with us. Loved talking about his club the Blacks and Whites."

A third wrote: "A proud father to his kids and great comrade to all who knew him. Some great stories told over the years and some good times shared. Rest in peace Garóid."

Main image via RIP.ie