Relatives of Irish teen who plunged to death in balcony fall in Australia 'absolutely heartbroken'

Three men charged with the alleged murder of Cian English in a botched robbery in Brisbane had their case heard in court today

Relatives of Irish teenager Cian English who plunged to his death in Australia have said they are heartbroken over the tragedy.

Three men charged with the alleged murder of Cian in a botched robbery had their case heard in court today.

The 19-year-old, originally from Co Carlow, had been living with his family in Hawthorne in Brisbane, Australia for the past seven years.

Cian suffered traumatic injuries when he fell from a balcony at the View Pacific resort in Surfers Paradise around 3.15am over the weekend.

The accused men, Jason Ryan Knowles, 22, Hayden Paul Kratzmann, 20, and Lachlan Paul Soper-Lagas, 18 - were not required to appear in court today.

The trio are also charged with armed robbery.

Lachlan Soper-Lagas, 18, did not appear via video link in Beenleigh Magistrates Court when his charges — one count of murder, two counts of armed robbery and two of deprivation of liberty — were briefly mentioned.

Mr Soper-Lagas’ case will be mentioned again on Tuesday.

Kratzmann and Knowles's cases were briefly mentioned in Brisbane Magistrates Court, where they were adjourned for a committal call over in Southport Magistrates Court on August 4.

Police allege the teenager was trying to escape being robbed by the three men at knifepoint, for his clothes and footwear, when he fell to his death.

He had been in the Gold Coast with a friend who was also allegedly assaulted.

Cian moved to Brisbane with his parents Siobhan and Vincent English and brother Dylan over seven years ago.

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His mother Siobhan is originally from the Tullow road in Carlow town and Vincent English from Mortarstown, Kilkenny road in Carlow.

Tributes have poured in for the family who have been left “heartbroken”.

One relative said on social media: “Never in my life did I think that our family would have to deal with such a huge loss.

“We will always appreciate the many memories we have with you.

“We’re absolutely heartbroken. We love and miss you so much.”

Local Fianna Fail TD Jennifer Murnane O’Connor told the Irish Mirror: “It’s devastating, the poor family losing one of their sons.

“Both Siobhan and Vincent come from two lovely families. 

“I want to give my sympathies to the family at this such sad time. 

“It’s horrific for any family to lose the chap so young.”

In a statement, Cian’s family said: "Our family is devastated by this tragedy and respectfully ask for privacy as the police investigation into the circumstances continues."

Local GAA clubs in Carlow town have also expressed their sadness at Cian’s passing. 

A spokesman for Carlow Town Hurling Club said: “The committee, members and supporters of Carlow Town Hurling and Camogie Club would like to extend it's sincere and heartfelt sympathy to the English and Webster families on the tragic passing of their beloved Cian. May his gentle soul rest in peace.”

Cian’s father Vincent worked as an accountant for several years  before the family moved to the Cayman Islands in the Caribbean.

He worked for Digicel for several years and is now CEO and Executive Director of Megaport - a telecommunications company. 

Cian’s Mum Siobhan works at Brisbane Children’s Hospital.

Gold Coast police were called to an apartment complex in Surfers Paradise at around 3.15am on Saturday where Mr English’s body was found at the base of the building.

It was initially thought that the young man had died in a tragic fall but later it emerged that he fell trying to escape the men who had been staying in a unit above him.

It is understood that a video of the beating the young man received has been circulated on the social media platform Snapchat.

Sources within the Irish support community in Brisbane, have indicated that the family has not made contact with Irish Embassy representatives there. 

A spokesman for one of the support groups said: “There is a huge police investigation taking place here at the moment. For a 19-year-old to die at such a young age and in this manner is just horrific.”

The Department of Foreign Affairs have said they are aware of the case and stand ready to provide assistance if required to do so.