Almost €150,000 has been raised in just two days for the family of a popular young Donegal father who was knocked down and killed in the US at the weekend.
Damien O’Brien (35), from Stoneybatter, Killygordon, lost his life after being struck by a car in California in the early hours of Sunday morning. The driver, aged 21, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence.
Mr O’Brien had been living near Los Angeles with his wife Michelle (née O’Connor), who is also from Donegal, for over a decade. They have two young boys, aged four and two, and their third boy is due in September.
A quantity surveyor, he was Vice President of Operations at TM Grady Builders.
A GoFundMe page, set up by his employer Tim Grady, company President, has raised almost $170,000 (€146k) of its $300,000 (€257k) target since it was launched on Tuesday.
Mr Grady described the late Mr O’Brien as an ‘extraordinary man’, known for his ‘dedication, warmth, wisdom, and professionalism’.
Mr Grady said all donations will go to Damien’s family to help with considerable monthly bills and any unexpected expenses.
“We can make a difference in Damien’s family’s life by coming together to support them during this challenging time. Thank you from the TM Grady Family on behalf of the O’Brien family,” he said.
You can donate by clicking on the following LINK.
Damien O’Brien lining out for Wild Geese GFC in a recent game against LA Cougars. Pic: Wild Geese GFC
Meanwhile, Mr O’Brien’s former employer, Shane Connolly of Shane Connolly Cars in Donegal Town, described him as ‘was one of a kind’.
“We are devastated of the tragic passing of Damien and heartbroken for Michelle, Oscar, Luke, the O’Brien and O’Connor families,” he said.
“Damien worked at Shane Connolly Car Sales before he headed off to America in 2013. He helped us out so much at the start setting up the business. Damien could turn his hand to anything and worked plenty of late nights. He was one of a kind.”
Mr O’Brien’s grieving parents, Benny and Patricia, flew out to California on Monday to be with their daughter-in-law and grandchildren.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be confirmed.
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