An Irishman has died on his honeymoon after being caught up in the wildfires that have swept across Greece.

Brian O’Callaghan-Westropp became separated from his wife, Zoe Holohan, as they tried to escape the fires in the coastal town of Mati.

The couple were married at Clonabreany House, Kells, in Co Meath last Thursday before flying out to Greece on Saturday.

Zoe Holohan and Brian O’Callaghan-Westropp Photograph: Handout/PA

Holohan, who works in advertising for the Sunday World newspaper, is in hospital after suffering burns to her head and hands.

A family statement said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of our family member, Brian O’Callaghan-Westropp.

“The families would respectfully appreciate privacy at this time as we grieve and as Zoe makes her recovery.”

Orla O’Hanrahan, Ireland’s ambassador to Greece, confirmed O’Callaghan-Westropp’s death.

The couple, who lived in Dublin, were in a vehicle when they were forced to flee the blaze.

Holohan was able to escape to a nearby beach and was admitted to hospital on Tuesday night.

The Irish embassy in Athens is providing consular assistance to Holohan and her family.

O’Callaghan-Westropp worked in finance for a Dublin catering company and also volunteed for Blood Bikes East, which provides an emergency medical transport service around hospitals in Dublin.

Committee member Franco De Bonis said O’Callaghan-Westropp started off as a volunteer rider a year ago and very quickly became further involved in the service.

“Brian is a very charitable man – he’s one of these people who you know when he’s in the room. He has a big voice and he’s the type who wants to get things done,” De Bonis said.

“He’s a man of action and is very selfless. His heart is in the right place and will always want to help. Brian would never walk away from a situation knowing someone needed help.”

At least 80 people have died in the forest fires which have raged through Greek villages and holiday resorts.