A promising rugby player has died after he was hit by a car. University student Liam O'Connor, 20, was struck by a silver Peugeot 308 in the early hours of Saturday morning, police said.
He was rushed to hospital but tragically died of his injuries after the crash in Newcastle, where he'd just completed his second year of university. The driver of the car remained at the scene and is helping detectives with their inquiries.
But police probing the death say they have yet to establish why the car collided with Liam, who was a pedestrian, in Great North Road in Jesmond, shortly after 1.40am. Sergeant Steven Chappell, of Northumbria Police, appealed for information from the public, adding: "While this happened in the early hours, the road is well-used and in a busy location, and we understand there were a number of other vehicles in the area.
“Anybody who believes they witnessed this collision, or who saw either Liam or the silver Peugeot 308 prior to or after the incident, should get in touch with police if they have not already done so.
"We still want to hear from anybody who may have CCTV or dashcam footage which may be of interest to our investigation – so please do check your footage as soon as possible and contact us."
Talented rugby player Liam played for Heaton Moor RUFC as a youngster, who described him as 'the complete rugby player'.
The inside centre won player of the year on several occasions and went on to play for the colts team before heading off to Newcastle University.
The club said in a statement: "We cannot imagine how the O’Connor family must be feeling.
"From us all, we are here for you and Liam remains in our hearts and minds forever.
"God Bless our wonderful no 12. Liam O’Connor - the best inside centre in the world."
He was selected for every representative age group for Lancashire from U13s through to U18s before joining the Sale Sharks' junior academy.
Sale Sharks said in a statement: "Liam epitomised the spirit of Rugby Union, and always made his parents and team mates proud of his achievements.
"Everyone at Sale Sharks is completely heartbroken and our thoughts turn to Liam’s family, Joan, Mike, Sean, and Kathleen."
