The Catholic Bishop of Cork and Ross has said the news of the tragic death of Bishop David O'Connell in Los Angeles has sent shockwaves across his native Cork.
Bishop Fintan Gavin was reacting to the news that the 69 year old was shot in a suburb of Los Angeles, Hacienda Heights, yesterday afternoon.
The Cork-native had served as a priest and later as an auxiliary bishop in the LA area for the last 45 years, and was well-known for his work with disadvantaged communities.
Bishop Gavin extended his sympathies to the O'Connell family in Cork, and his friends in Cork and throughout Ireland.
He added, that since his ordination in 1979 Bishop David had always maintained his connection with family and friends in Cork, where he was a regular visitor.
Police have launched an investigation.
