RIP: Galway worker's funeral details confirmed as body identified after tragic holiday discovery
His body has since been flown back to his home with his funeral taking place on Friday
The funeral details of a Derry man living and working in Galway who died tragically while on holiday has been confirmed.
Gary Johnston’s body was found nine days after he did not board a booked return flight home to Dublin after a solo holiday in the Canary Islands.
The 52-year-old flew to Fuerteventura by himself for a planned walking and camping holiday on October 1 but family members became worried when they had not heard from Gary after October 3.
He was due to fly home on October 7 and despite having a ticket booked, he did not board the flight which led to a search by National Police and Guardia Civil.
Gary’s death was confirmed by the Missing Persons Ireland Helpline who said in a statement: “We have just received news that Gary Johnston who was missing in Fuerteventura, has been found deceased. Our thanks to all who shared to contacts in the Canaries. Condolences to Gary's family and friends on their sad loss.”
His body has since been flown back to his native Derry with his funeral taking place on Friday.
His death notice reads: “The death has occurred of Gary Johnston on 3rd October 2026 suddenly in Fuerteventura. Beloved son of Yvonne, late of Moore Street, loving brother of Fergus, Samantha and Damian, cherished brother-in-law of Gerald and much loved uncle of Nicole, Dylan and Rhys.
“Gary will be reposing in his sister's home, 18 Rosswater, on Thursday from 3 - 9 pm and on Friday from 12 - 9 pm. Funeral from there on Saturday at 10.30 am for 11 o'clock Requiem Mass in The Church of the Immaculate Conception, Trench Road. Interment afterwards in St Mary's cemetery, Ardmore.
“Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu of flowers, if wished, to The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT). Sacred Heart of Jesus have mercy on his soul.”