Investigation launched after Belfast man dies in Australian car crash
GAA player Ryan Straney, from the Upper Springfield Road area, died in Sydney during the early hours of Monday.
The Irish News has reported that a 96-year-old man drove a vehicle south in the north-bound lane of Sydney’s M1 Pacific Motorway for at least 10 minutes, causing drivers to swerve to avoid a crash and report the vehicle to police.
A crash then happened at around 4.40am local time, with the elderly driver’s vehicle colliding with two cars and a truck.
Mr Straney was in one of the cars and died at the scene, while the 96-year-old man was taken to hospital where he remains in a critical condition.
The driver of the truck, a 35-year-old man, and the 39-year-old driver of the other car, were both treated for minor injuries.
A spokesperson for New South Wales Police said: “An investigation has commenced into the circumstances surrounding the crash. A report will be prepared with the information of the coroner.”
Mr Straney was a senior Gaelic footballer with club Lámh Dhearg GAC, in the Hannahstown area of west Belfast.
In an online post, the young man was described as the “beloved son of Vincent and Sharon, loving brother to Declan and Callum and cherished grandson of Geordie and Theresa”.
“He will be sadly missed by his wider family circle and friends at home and abroad,” added the post.
Andersonstown hair salon Ciseaux Hair also paid tribute to Mr Straney writing: “It is with profound sadness that we inform our clients of the sudden passing of Ryan Straney Rip, beloved son of our friend and colleague Sharon.
“Funeral arrangements to follow. We offer our deepest sympathy and prayers to Sharon’s family and friends at this tragic news. Saint pio pray for him. All the staff at Ciseaux xx.”
In a post on their social media account, Official Antrim GAA said: “We would like to pass on our sincere condolences to Lámh Dhearg CLG and the entire community on the shock passing of Ryan Straney.
“Ryan was a member of their Senior Football team and has been in Australia. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends at this deeply sad time.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
In the comments, many offered their condolences to the Straney family, with one user calling him “such a wonderful lad” while another said: “Shocked to hear this. Thinking of Sharon Fegan and family at this sad time.”
“Absolutely heartbreaking. Rest in Peace Ryan,” another user said.
“Devastating, sincere condolences to all the family. RIP Ryan,” said another.
News Catch Up: Monday 15th April 2024