A pedestrian knocked down in the early hours of this morning on the outskirts of Dunafanaghy was visiting Donegal with his family from Scotland.
The victim, who was 26 years old, was struck by a car on the road at Sandhill around 4.15am.
The car was being driven by a local man who had just collected two
other people who had been at a nightclub earlier.
The driver or his passengers were not hurt following the collision.
Gardai and ambulances rushed to the scene of the tragedy but the victim was pronounced dead at the scene.
The road was cordoned off and Garda forensic officers began a
painstaking investigation of the scene.
Gardai erected a tent at the scene in order to carry out an on-site
examination of the victim.
The man’s family are understood to be originally from the Falcarragh
area of West Donegal and he had been a regular visitor to the area.
The victim’s family are understood to have a holiday home in the
Dunfanaghy area.
Local county councillor Seamus O Domhnaill said the death of the man was especially poignant at this time of year.
He said “It’s a terrible tragedy but as it happened around the
Christmas period it makes it more difficult for all involved.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with his family
at this time.”
Garda Inspector David Kelly appealed for anybody who was in the Dunfanaghy area between 3.45am and 4.30am and may have witnessed anything to come forward.
The road, which had been closed, has since been reopened.
It is understood the man’s family have requested that he will
be waked for at least one night in Co Donegal.
His death is the sixth road fatality on Donegal’s roads so
far this year compared with 10 in 2016.
Gardai have again issued a warning to the public to take extra care
while out driving and walking over the festive season.
