Heartbroken family thank Islanders as they prepare to bring son home

Thursday 28 May 2015

The heartbroken family of the young Jerseyman who died tragically in Cambodia over the weekend have thanked the Island for their support and say his sister is travelling to Cambodia to bring him home.

The family of 25-year-old Peter Riley – who died in the resort town Sihanoukville on Monday – have thanked everyone who has donated to the repatriation fund to bring his body back home.

Within a day of the launch of the online fund, 373 Islanders had come forward to donate more than £8,178 – well on the way to the £10,000 target to cover the expenses of transport.

The family’s statement said: “Seeing all the kind words and memories of Peter is really helping us to come to terms and deal with this tragic accident. Whilst we knew he was greatly loved by many, it is great to see just how big an impact he had on everyone he met.

“His sister, Jess is now on her way to Cambodia with four of his closest friends to help bring him home. We have just managed to speak to Jess to inform her how the fund has reached over £5,000 and she is greatly touched and amazed.

“Peter was a very loved young man, and the family will never be able to repay the kindness shown to them and would like to say a very big thank you from them all.”

The family have particularly thanked Amy and Allana Binnie who have organised a fundraising event tomorrow night at the Soleil Levant pub in Bath Street, which was Mr Riley's local.

Many of the donors who have given to the fund to bring back the body of Mr Riley were friends who knew him from Rouge Bouillon and Haute Vallée schools.