A 21-year-old man who died in a two-car crash in Co Donegal has been named locally as Aaron Friel, with heartfelt tributes being paid.
Aaron Friel who tragically lost his life in a two vehicle RTC near Buncrana in County Donegal
A young man who died following a two-car crash in Co Donegal has been named locally as Aaron Friel.
The 21-year-old, from Buncrana, is being remembered as “a genuinely kind and good-natured young man” whose tragic death has left his family, friends and community devastated.
The collision happened at Kinnego Cross in Ballymagan, shortly before 9.10pm on Saturday, July 4.
Aaron, who was the driver of one of the cars, was pronounced dead at the scene. A male passenger in the same car, aged in his 20s, was taken to Letterkenny University Hospital with injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.
The driver of the second car, a man in his late teens, and his female passenger, also in her late teens, were taken to Letterkenny University Hospital for treatment.
Heartfelt tributes have continued to pour in for Aaron following news of his death. Announcing his passing, Porter Funeral Directors said: “The tragic death has taken place of Aaron Friel, Lisnakelly, Buncrana. Heartbroken by his untimely passing are his loving parents Breda and Emmett, cherished brothers Shane, Oisín, Darragh and Ruairí; his grandparents Anne and Hugh, Mary and Liam, aunts, uncles, cousins and many friends. Funeral Arrangements will be confirmed later. May Aaron Rest in Peace.”
His employer, Donaghy Safety Training Ltd, described Aaron as a valued colleague who had “his whole life ahead of him”.
In a statement, the company said: “It is with profound sadness that we learned of the tragic passing of our colleague and friend, Aaron Friel. Aaron was a valued member of the Donaghy Safety Training team. He was a genuinely kind and good-natured young man who was always willing to help wherever he was needed.
“At only 21 years of age, Aaron had his whole life ahead of him. His loss has left everyone here shocked and deeply saddened. As a mark of respect to Aaron, and to allow our team time to come to terms with this devastating news, Donaghy Safety Training will remain closed until further notice.
“Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Aaron’s family, his friends, and everyone who knew and loved him at this unimaginably difficult time. Rest in peace, Aaron. You will be greatly missed by all of us.”
Buncrana Golf Club, where Aaron was a member alongside his father Emmett and brother Oisín, said the tragic news had left the club in “deep numbness and despair”.
The club said: “The Committee of Buncrana Golf Club would like to offer our sincerest and heartfelt condolences to Emmett and Breda Friel and family as well as all the Friel and Quirke families, on the tragic loss of their beloved son Aaron.
“Aaron was a member here at the club along with his father Emmett and brother Oisín and there was a deep numbness and despair in the air today at the club as we all tried to digest the tragic news of yesterday evening.
“We have no words and are all truly heartbroken for the family. All our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this very difficult time. May Aaron rest in eternal peace.”
Inish Theatre Group also paid an emotional tribute, describing Aaron as “a remarkable young man whose kindness, courage and quiet strength left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of knowing him”.
The group added: “He had a bright future ahead of him, and his warm smile, gentle nature and the love he had for those around him will never be forgotten. To have such a promising life taken so suddenly is simply heartbreaking.
“Though his time on earth was far too short, his memory will continue to shine brightly in the hearts of all who knew him. Tonight, may the brightest star in the sky remind us that a beautiful angel is watching over those he loved. Rest peacefully, Aaron. Your light will never fade, and you will never be forgotten.”
Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the collision to come forward. They are particularly keen to speak to anyone travelling near Kinnego Cross, Ballymagan, between 8.30pm and 9.15pm on Saturday who may have camera footage, including dashcam recordings.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station on (074) 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
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