Trigger Warning: This article mentions details about death
In a jaw-dropping and unbelievable prank, mourners attending the funeral of Shay Bradley, a grandfather of eight in Kilmanagh, Ireland, who died on October 8, 2019, were left stunned and then spooked as a voice appeared to come from his coffin just as he was being laid to rest.
Reportedly, Bradley had planned the prank by recording his voice before his death, which was later played during his funeral.
As the traditional bagpipe music came to an end, attendees were horrified by banging noises, and Bradley’s voice came through. “Hello? It’s dark in here. Let me out. I can hear you! Is that the priest I can hear? I’m in the box; can you hear that?” the voice said.
At first, people were confused, but they soon realized and burst into laughter. In the later part of the recording, Bradley broke into a sing-song, persuading his family members he was in the coffin against his will.
As per Amplify, the moment was recorded in a video shared on X (formerly Twitter) by his grandson, Ben Bradley (@Ben_Bradley22), which went viral. Bradley, who was 62 at the time of his death, was a veteran of the Irish Defence Force and was known for his funny and lively personality.
Condolences and tributes came from users across the globe, many of whom praised Bradley for bringing joy during such a sad life event. “What a gem! I’m sure everyone will miss his humor,” one user wrote. Another added, “He guaranteed he’d be talked about and remembered forever.”
For anyone who hasn’t seen, My grandad was a one of a kind character and has left his legacy for the world to see❤️ #shayslastlaugh pic.twitter.com/POZUZYLHya
— Ben Bradley (@Ben_Bradley22) October 14, 2019
“Sorry for the loss of your dad. He sounds like the sort of person I would have loved to have met. I’m glad he was sent off with a laugh. After all, it is a celebration of his life. I want Sound of Silence or Chas and Dave’s Rabbit Song played at mine, as I never shut up,” one added.
Another wrote, “What a warm sentiment. It shows the heart of your daddy to the world, even if we didn’t know him. From our family to yours, our deepest condolences.”
What a warm sentiment. It shows the heart of your daddy to the world even if we didn’t know him.. From our family to your our deepest condolences.
— Rich Dantona (@OriginalRichieD) October 18, 2019
Meanwhile, Shay Bradley’s son, Jonathan, spoke to BBC News and told the outlet that he had been planning the prank a year before his death when he was battling a major illness. He is survived by his wife, Anne, and children, Jonathan, Susanne, James, and Andrea.
The video has been watched over a million times on Facebook, and several users reached out to the family, wishing them well and mentioning the fact that they loved how the family kept his honor alive after his death. “Sounds like the kind of guy I would’ve liked to have a pint with,” one user wrote.
His daughter, Andrea (@Andrea36496119), also posted the video and shared a photograph of him smiling with a glass of wine in hand, writing, “It was his dying wish that we play this at his funeral. What a man. To make us all laugh when we were incredibly sad. Love you forever, Poppabear. #ShaysLastLaugh.” She also clarified that the message played from a speaker near his grave, not from inside the coffin itself.
Here is a picture of the legend himself. My dad, Shay Bradley. It was his dieing wish that we played this at his funeral. What a man…. To make us all laugh when we were incredibly sad….. He was some man for one man…. Love you forever Poppabear #Shayslastlaugh pic.twitter.com/YkG2ecKAaL
— Andrea (@Andrea36496119) October 13, 2019
Pranks have become the next new obsession for people to watch, share, and make merry. Several creators on social media pull off high-level pranks from all over the world and gather millions of likes and followers. Many others also do online challenges that have an element of surprise attached to them.
Laughter all over the world because of your dad Andrea. Some man to be proud off. My condolences.
— Ferdinand Borsje (@KatWolf_BV) October 14, 2019
While many might find the concept of pranks cringeworthy or over the top, they happen to be a collective and fun way to share a good laugh with your friends and family.
Please keep in mind that those pranks that involve physical stunts and dangerous moves aren’t always cool. For anyone watching those, especially youngsters, none of them should be performed without parental supervision or guidance.
