'A beautiful soul': Shock and sadness following sudden death of young Irish musician in the US

Heartbreaking tributes are being paid following the sudden death of a talented young musician from Co Cork who " brought warmth, laughter, and generosity wherever he went". Oisín Daly, 38, who was originally from Eyeries village on the Beara Peninsula but had been living in Savannah, Georgia for a number of years, passed away unexpectedly at home on June 12. Oisin's family announced the tragic news in a notice shared in RIP.ie as they paid a heartfelt tribute to hugely popular young man. They wrote: "It is with profound sadness that we announce the unexpected passing of Oisín Daly on June 12th, 2026, at his home in Savannah, Georgia. A beloved husband, son, brother, uncle, and friend, Oisín’s loss leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of all who knew and loved him. "Born on August 26th, 1987, Oisín brought warmth, laughter, and generosity wherever he went. He possessed a rare ability to make people feel welcome and valued, and his kindness, humour, and unwavering loyalty earned him lifelong friendships across continents. "Oisín is survived by his devoted wife, Vanessa Daly, and his loving mother, Bernadette. He was a cherished brother to Orfhlaith, Naoise, Rory, and Quinlan; a beloved son-in-law to Erika; and a beloved brother-in-law to Jennifer, Anik, Laura, and Paul. "He will be forever remembered by his adoring nieces, Keelia, Emilie, Matilda, and Elena, as well as by his extended family and the countless friends whose lives he touched. Oisín was predeceased by his father, William Daly, who passed away in November 2024." The notice added: " Throughout his life, Oisín pursued his passions with dedication, enthusiasm, and deep compassion for others. Whether through his music, his friendships, or the quiet acts of kindness that defined his character, he left a lasting mark on those around him. His wit, wisdom, creativity, and gentle strength will be remembered always. "Though his life was far too short, Oisín’s legacy lives on in the music he created, the friendships he nurtured, and the love he shared so freely. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered." Raised on the Beara Peninsula in West Cork, Ireland, Oisín developed an early passion for music that would shape the course of his life. The Cork native went on to study Music Technology at Maynooth University in Kildare before moving to Savannah, Georgia, in his early twenties. There he built a life with Vanessa and quickly became an integral part of the local community and music scene. Over the following fifteen years, Oisín established himself as a highly respected musician, composer, and producer. His creativity, talent, and generosity of spirit earned him admiration throughout Savannah and across the American South. Oisin's heartbroken wife revealed that the young Cork man passed away in his sleep soon after arriving back from a trip to Canada with his mum, brothers, nieces and nephews as she shared an emotional tribute to her late husband. "To all who have reached out, I burst into tears with every gesture. With every loving word. With every message," she wrote in a post on social media. "This is the worst day of my life… the despair and horror scene keeps replaying in my head. This morning, I jumped in the bed with the cat to kiss him and wake him make him breakfast, and found him cold. I was letting him sleep in to rest from his trip. "It was…. And still is…. The worst possible horror movie scene you can possibly imagine, my screams brought over all the neighbors, the cops and paramedics took me out of the house by the arms. One of the paramedics knew him, he was his friend, he came out shaking and with tears and hugged me. "Everything hurts. "Why am I writing this? I have received countless messages asking me what happened since my husband was…. IS…. extremely loved. I am chocking with tears writing this. "I tried to sleep but I can’t, I spent most of the day laying on the floor. I’m so sorry, for my incredible loss, but everyone's too. He is so loved… nobody in my life ever loved me like he did. " I love you. Thank you for your love. This is all about him and the love he inspired…. And the love he inspired in me. "I love you too much Oisin Daly. Thank you for always loving me so much…. He was away for a week visiting family. He came home, kissed me, hugged me, and never woke up again. He came back to me for a moment, for a last kiss. "My love… I just want to disappear and dissolve into the sky and stars you have reached." Oisin's friends in the US have come together to launch a fundraiser to help his wife Vanessa "navigate all of the unexpected expenses she is facing during this unimaginable loss". A message shared on fundraising page reads: "Oisin Daly- you all might know him as DJ OCEANMAN - the beautiful soul behind the music that put our Greek Independence Day celebrations on the map this year, has left us too soon. "38 years on this planet wasn’t enough time to spread all of his goodness - but he left us all better people for having known him. "His amazing wife Vanessa needs our help navigating all of the unexpected expenses she is facing during this unimaginable loss. We’ve started a GoFundMe for her, for whoever would like to donate. "We appreciate the outpouring of love and prayers that she’s already received. Be safe, and love on your loved ones." More than $14,700 ( € 17,000) has already been raised from over 150 donations at the time of writing. A funeral service will be held for Oisin on July 8 at Families First Funeral Care & Cremation Center in Savannah. This will be followed by a Celebration of Life at The Sexton Pub and Provisions, 9 West 43rd Street. His family has also announced that an informal memorial for Oisín will be held in Eyeries, Co.Cork, at a future date. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here .