Driver and cyclist die after separate traffic accidents

Driver and cyclist die after separate traffic accidents

30 October 2019

AN 18 year-old man who died following a car crash in Kilcoo on Saturday morning became the second person to lose his life on local roads in a week.

David Blenski died when his car crashed on the Hilltown Road around 2.30am, just hours before the funeral of Downpatrick native Aidan Fitzpatrick took place in Belfast.

Four young passengers in the car — two males and two females — were treated in hospital for their injuries. One of the young men is described as being in a “critical” condition.

A former student of St Mark’s High School in Warrenpoint and a student at the Newry campus of Southern Regional College, Mr Blenski was born in Poland but had lived in the Newry area since he was a child.

His funeral service will take place at St Mary’s Church in Burren today.

South Down MP Chris Hazzard expressed his condolences following the tragedy.

He said: “My thoughts are with the friends and family of this young man and all who knew him at this sad and tragic time.” 

Mr Fitzpatrick died in hospital last Tuesday, two days after a collision as he cycled on the Killyleagh Road, outside Downpatrick. 

The incident involved another cyclist and a black Mercedes car.

The 58 year-old was a popular member of the La Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club based in Loughinisland.

He was on a club run with other members when the collision took place around 2pm.

The father of five grown-up children and grandfather of two was lauded as a “true gentleman” and “a gentle giant” on social media by shocked members of the local cycling community.

Last night his family spoke of their “devastation” at his loss as they called for drivers to be more aware of cyclists.

A statement from his family said: “We’re devastated by the loss of our beloved Aidan but are so lucky to have had the best husband, father and grandfather. We’re so proud of everything he’s done. We also use this opportunity to urge drivers to give cyclists more space on the roads.”

His daughter, Niamh, gave a moving tribute to her father on behalf of her mother, Deirdre, and siblings Louise, Ciaran, Peter and Niall, and niece Holly and nephew Jamie.

She said: “Aidan was a family man through and through. He dedicated his life to his wife and kids and spent most of his free time either coaching our sports teams, or supporting from the sidelines. 

“He was the most dependable friend and would everything at a moments notice to help out a friend in need. He never bragged about his good deeds, and as a family we have only been hearing about most of them at his wake/funeral.”

In accordance with his wishes, Mr Fitzpatrick’s family chose to donate his organs to help others.

Niamh said: “Aidan had always been very clear of his wishes regarding organ donation, and we are incredibly proud of him and the lives he has changed with the gift of organ donation. We hope that the organ recipients will now lead full and happy lives. We urge everyone to have this conversation with their loved ones, and to strongly consider joining the organ donor registry.”

She went on to thank all of those who helped her father in his final hours.

“As a family, we are incredibly grateful to all of the staff that looked after Aidan — from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and BASICS teams who looked after him at the scene of the accident, to the emergency department staff in Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast. 

“The team in RICU (Regional Intensive Care Unit in the Royal Victoria Hospital) were second to none, and we couldn’t be more appreciative of the care and support they provided to all of us throughout our time there.”

Mr Fitzpatrick was a former student of St Patrick’s Grammar School. He later studied for a degree and Masters degree in Business at Queens University, Belfast where he also played basketball for the university, winning an All-Ireland and University Blues award.  

He began working in Fair Employment Commission in 1991, which then changed to the Equality Commission for Northern Ireland. He worked there as a manager in the advice and compliance division.

Mr Fitzpatrick had played basketball for the Ardglass Sharks, Gaelic football and hurling while growing up Downpatrick. 

He went on in recent years to volunteer at Special Olympics Ulster as a coach, event coordinator and referee. 

Mr Fitzpatrick coached his 2018 basketball team to All Ireland glory, which was a particular proud achievement for him.

A statement from the committee of La Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club said: “Aidan was much loved by his cycling friends. He was a true gentleman and it was an absolute privilege to know him. He will be very sadly missed by us all.”

Police have appealed for information from witnesses to both incidents.