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Irish Mirror
Irish Mirror
National
Michelle Cullen

'True friend and gentleman' who died in horror late-night crash in Laois named locally

A man killed in a late-night crash in Laois on Friday morning has been named locally.

Keith Orr sadly died after the car he was driving crashed on the Ballacolla to Rathdowney Road (L1640) at around 1am.

The lorry driver, who was aged in his 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

READ MORE: Man dead and another injured as gardai called to horror late-night crash in Co Laois

A second man, aged in his 30s, was treated at the scene, and his injuries are believed to have been non-life threatening.

The road was closed this morning with local diversions in place.

A garda spokesperson said: "The Ballacolla to Rathdowney Road (L1640) is closed between Moyne Cross (R434) and Rathmakelly Crossroads pending technical examination. Local diversions are in place.

"Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward. Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling on the Rathdowney Road (L1640) between 12:30am, and 1:30am are asked to make this footage available to Gardaí.

"Anyone with any information is asked to contact Portlaoise Road Garda Station on 057 867 4100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."

Tributes have poured in for Keith, who was described as a "true friend and gentleman".

In an emotional post on Facebook, one friend said: "To say a friend is an understatement. You were like a brother to me for yrs. Keith Orr you were and still are a true friend and gentleman. May you rest in peace brother".

Another wrote: "Rest easy brother, till we meet again

"' There will be another angel

Around the throne tonight

Your love lives on inside of me

And I will hold on tight

It's not my place to question

Only God knows why

I'm just jealous of the angels

Around the throne tonight'".

A third wrote: "Keith Orr (TRACTOR) rest easy big boy . Another good one gone form us .Glad we got to have that last chat a few weeks ago . Big heart bro , hope you went easy."

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