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'Forever 17': brother of Stardust victim who was unidentified for 25 years tells of 'surreal' burial

Summary

In a Dublin Coroner's Court inquest into the 1981 Stardust fire, Tony Wade, brother of Paul Wade, spoke about the surreal experience of finally burying Paul in 2007 after he had remained unidentified for 25 years. Tony recalled being at the club with Paul when the fire broke out, noting that Paul's lack of tattoos and perfect teeth contributed to his being one of seven unidentified victims. He described the family's daily attendance at funerals and the frustration of not having a headstone for seven years. The identification in 2007 allowed the family to hold a proper funeral, which Tony described as surreal as the siblings were in their 40s while Paul was "forever 17." He reflected on the profound impact on their parents, especially their mother's loss of faith and their father's anguish. Tony concluded by expressing the family's enduring love and longing for Paul.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: 'Forever 17': brother of Stardust victim who was unidentified for 25 years tells of 'surreal' burial. Procedural stage: trial

When:

• February 14, 1981 Hearing Or Sentence
• 2023-05-10 Publication

Why: That's probably the reason I got out because we were near the exit doors," said Tony. CNI source report

Places mentioned

Topics

Stage Trial

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Read the original CNI report