Father of Ella Mills shares moving tribute on one year anniversary

The father of Ella Mills honoured his 20-year-old in a heartfelt tribute

Ella Mills died in a tragic kayaking accident in Washington last September.

The Trinity student was on a trip with the Columbia University Whitewater Kayaking Club when the tragedy occurred.

Her father Ralph is now raising funds for the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. He set a new world record by running a full marathon in a Dublin swimming pool.

He spoke to Newstalk about his late daughter following the world-record event.

Ralph fondly remembered his daughter in the emotional interview.

"Everyone’s child is deeply special but there was something incredible about Ella. She was about the smartest person I’ve ever met.

"The first child will teach the parents how to be parents and she gave us the most wonderful lesson. It was utterly joyful, our time with her.

"She was determined, and focused, she always wanted to peel away the layers and see what was underneath. She wasn’t satisfied with a standard answer – she had this incredible intellectual curiosity," he shared.

"You really couldn’t meet her without thinking one day she’ll make a huge impact on the world," the heartbroken dad added.

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