Tributes are being paid to a young man who died after being hit by a car in Co Meath on Sunday.
Aaron Cantwell, 20, was seriously injured when he was struck on the R161 Trim Road near Balreask Cross at around 1.30am. He later died in hospital.
The Trim native is being hailed as a "hero" after the donation of his organs saved the lives of four people. A fundraising campaign has been launched to help his family who are said to be "heartbroken" following the tragedy.
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The organiser of the GoFundMe wrote: "Those who knew Aaron understood just how loving and caring he was for everyone around him, he was a dedicated son, brother and friend and someone you could always talk to who loved to cheer everyone up.
"We are so devastated to have him taken from us at just 20 years old. It is difficult to express just how much he will be missed by his Mother, Father, Brother, Friends and everyone else who had the pleasure of knowing him.
"Our hearts are truly broken and words can’t express the loss we are all feeling with Aaron gone.
"While he was here Aaron dedicated his time to saving and teaching others as a lifeguard, he continues to save those in need even after death as an organ donor.
"We have created this go fund me in response to those who have reached out and asked how you can help honour Aaron’s life in this heartbreaking time. This came as a shock to us all and any contributions will be given to Organ Donation Awareness. Thank you all for your support."
Aaron's former colleagues at Aura Navan Leisure Centre also paid a heartfelt tribute to the young man.
They wrote: "It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Aaron Cantwell our inspiring staff member, colleague, and friend.
"To some of our colleagues at Aura Navan, Aaron was also a family member. His brother Adam Cantwell, cousin Dylan Dunleavy and Aunt Leah Dunleavy worked alongside Aaron in the centre.
"Aaron began his journey with Aura in December 2019 and from that moment on Aaron had a really positive impact on the lives of anyone he met. This quality also extended beyond his working life and into his relationships with family and friends alike.
"Aaron lived and breathed his job here at Aura. He took an endless amount of pride and joy in the various roles he fulfilled, particularly as a swim teacher, knowing that through providing swim lessons he was helping others.
"This is best summed up in Aaron’s own words: 'The reason I love swim teaching is because I enjoy seeing children improve their confidence and skills in the water. There is no better feeling than when you see a child’s excitement when they are finally able to do a skill that they practiced for a while.'
"Through this sadness we also share the joy of knowing that Aaron, in his passing, has gone on to save four lives through organ donation. This has brought some peace and comfort to those closest to Aaron.
"In this ultimate act of kindness, Aaron’s family are hoping to raise more awareness of the impact of organ donation by sharing Aaron’s example. It cannot be put into words the positive and lasting effect Aaron will have on the lives of those he is saving, and ultimately their family and friends too.
"We are inviting any members who knew Aaron, or Swim Academy children who Aaron taught swim lessons to send on any messages or stories about Aaron that they would like to share. Please email these to dylandunleavy@auragroup.ie.
"'Not all heroes wear capes', our hero wore an Aura uniform and a smile that brightened everyone’s day!
"The management and staff of Aura Leisure wish to extend their heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of Aaron. May he rest in peace."
A celebration of Aaron's life will take place in Mount Jerome Crematorium in Dublin at 2.30pm on Saturday.
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