Tributes to Irish doctor Meg Haugh who died in Philippines
Tributes have been paid to a young Irish doctor who died while canyoning with a friend in the Philippines. Meg Haugh, 26, from Ballintemple, Co. Cork, collapsed while taking part in the activity – where people walk, swim or abseil through canyons, waterfalls and streams – last Thursday in Badian, southwest Cebu.
According to reports in the region, Ms Haugh was more than halfway through the three-hour activity when she began struggling with chest pains and breathing. Those with her, including a fellow doctor, couldn’t get a signal to contact medics. She was pronounced dead at Badian District Hospital.
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Ms Haugh had been working as a doctor in Australia and it is understood she was due home in Cork within the next two weeks. According g to her death notice on RIP.ie, Ms Haugh died ‘suddenly’ in the ‘company of her good friend Tessa while exploring the beautiful Philippines’.
Meg Haugh. Pic: RIP.ie
She is survived by her parents Richard and Kathryn, and was the ‘adored’ sister of Sally, Marty and William. Ms Haugh’s family is associated with Avondale United football club in Carrigaline, Co. Cork. The club said on its website: ‘It is with heavy hearts that we learn of the untimely passing of young Meg Haugh, daughter of Richard Haugh.
‘Our thoughts are with Richard and family including uncle John Haugh, an underage coach, extended family and friends. May Meg rest in peace.’ The club’s home games this weekend have been cancelled as a mark of respect. Local councillor Mary Rose Desmond said of Ms Haugh: ‘Such a beautiful girl and to have such a tragic incident happen to her when living her life to the full is terrible.’ Among the tributes online, one person wrote: ‘May you get comfort that Meg was living her dream, travelling, exploring new places.’
Another wrote: ‘I had the pleasure of meeting Meg a few summers ago working in America, and always enjoyed bumping into her when we came home. She was kind, caring and always smiling. She will be greatly missed. She was always so kind and ebullient.’ The Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and providing consular assistance.