A Newcastle University student who died after being hit by a car planned to spend a year studying in the USA.
Liam O’Connor, 20, was struck by a silver Peugeot 308 on Great North Road in Jesmond, Newcastle. The collision occurred near to the junction with Forsyth Road shortly after 1.40am on Saturday morning.
The car had reportedly been travelling northbound when, for reasons yet to be established, it has collided with Liam, who was a pedestrian. He suffered life-threatening injuries and was taken to hospital where he later passed away.
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Liam, who was from Manchester, was studying for a degree in Mathematics with Finance at Newcastle University and had just finished the second year of his course.
The university has now revealed how he had been accepted onto the international year abroad programme and was getting ready to spend a year studying in San Jose in California.
Professor Nick Parker, Head of the School of Mathematics, Statistics and Physics at Newcastle University, said: "We are all deeply saddened by Liam’s death and send our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends at this difficult time.
"Liam was a popular student with a bright future ahead of him and had just completed his exams for the second year of his BSc degree in Mathematics with Finance.
"He had been accepted onto the international year abroad programme and was gearing up to spend a year studying in San Jose in the US.
"He will be greatly missed by students and staff in the School."
An investigation was launched by the Northumbria Police's Force’s Motor Patrols team after the incident to establish the full circumstances around the collision. The driver of the car remained at the scene and continues to assist officers.
Sergeant Steven Chappell said: "This is a truly devastating outcome, and our thoughts remain with Liam’s family and loved ones at this very sad time.
"We are committed to getting answers for his family and finding out the full circumstances surrounding this collision, which has tragically resulted in his death."
Officers are continuing to appeal for anybody who was in the area at the time to come forward with information which could further assist their investigation.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the force using the 'Tell Us Something' page of their website, or calling 101, quoting log number NP-20230610-0103.
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