Tributes have poured in after the tragic death of a school teacher following a fatal road traffic collision on the M7 in Naas, Co Kildare.
Named locally as Brendan Fitzpatrick, 24, of Thomastown in Kilkenny, he was struck by “one or more vehicles” travelling northbound in the early hours of Saturday morning.
The young teacher, described as an “absolute gentleman” is understood to have been walking to his home in Naas along the motorway.
Read More: Details emerge of what happened in M7 crash as pedestrian, 20s, dead and gardai appeal for witnesses
Emergency services and gardai rushed to the scene between Junction 11 and Junction 10 near Naas shortly after 4am.
Mr Fitzpatrick was pronounced dead at the scene a short time later.
Parish priest of Thomastown Fr Daniel Bollard said the whole community has been left saddened and shocked at the tragic loss of Brendan.
“Everyone is so shocked and saddened and everyone’s thoughts and prayers are with Brendan’s family at this time,” Fr Bollard told us.
“He was a teacher and had a promising career ahead of him. It’s so tragic.”
Brendan, who was a member of Thomastown Paddlers Canoe Club, was described by the club in a tribute as a man who “exuded kindness and determination” and was “truly loved by all.”
The club posted its tribute on its Facebook page in the aftermath of the tragic death of Brendan.
“All in Thomastown Paddlers are shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of club member Brendan Fitzpatrick.
“An absolute gentleman taken far too early. Brendan exuded kindness and determination and he was truly loved by all.”
The club passed on its thoughts and prayers to Brendan’s parents Fiona, who was the club’s secretary for many years, Eamon and his sister Eimear.
A club member wrote: “Brendan was a lovely lad on and off the water. Many fond memories of racing him. So sad to hear this news.”
Another shocked club member wrote: “This tragic news hollowed me out. A very pleasant young fella who was always willing to help out. Can’t stop thinking about the Fitzpatrick family since I heard the news.”
Funeral arrangements are to be announced later.
Meanwhile, gardai continue to appeal for witnesses to come forward.
They are particularly appealing to motorists who may have stopped at the scene of the collision prior to the arrival of gardai and emergency services to make contact with them.
In a statement gardai said: “It is also believed that more than one vehicle may have collided with the male and although a number of drivers have come forward we would appeal for these motorists to contact gardai.
“Additionally we are asking motorists with any video footage (including dash cam) who were travelling on the M7 between J11 and J10 in either direction in the hours prior to the collision, to make contact with investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Naas Garda Station on 045 884300, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
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