Heartache as GAA club leads tributes to ‘enthusiastic’ & ‘always smiling’ young man who died after being struck by lorry
HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for an “always smiling” young man who sadly lost his life in a crash yesterday morning.
Cameron Donnelly tragically passed away at the scene of a crash after being reportedly struck by a lorry in the Donaghanie Road area of Omagh, Co Tyrone shortly before 10:30am yesterday.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Fire and Rescue Service and the police attended the scene alongside the Health and Safety Executive, with an investigation now underway into the incident.
Cameron, a native of Drumquin, has been remembered as the “beloved son” of Dermott and Brona and the “precious brother” of Jake and Darcy-Leigh.
Drumquin GAA Club led the tributes to the young man, expressing its “deepest sympathy” to his family and friends.
It said: “Our thoughts and prayers are with the Donnelly and Patterson families at this incredibly difficult time.
“We extend our heartfelt condolences to all who are grieving this devastating loss.”
Drumquin GAA confirmed all club activities will be suspended until further notice as a mark of respect.
It added: “We ask the Drumquin GAA community to keep the family in their thoughts and prayers, and to respect their privacy as they mourn.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.”
Drumquin United FC also offered its “sincere condolences” to the family and friends of Cameron, who was a well-known industrial worker in the area.
It said: “Our prayers are with Cameron’s mum Brona, dad Dermot, brother Jake, sister Darcy-Leigh and the wider Donnelly and Patterson families at this difficult time. Rest in Peace Cameron.”
‘SMILE LIT UP FACES’
Dozens of friends and locals have also paid tribute to Cameron, with one saying: “Such a nice lad, taken so suddenly. Hard to take this in. Almighty, help his family and friends in their time of immense loss.”
Another added: “Drumquin United’s Committee, Players and Supporters are at loss in trying to comprehend and understand the sudden passing of Cameron.
“His enthusiasm, wit and smile lit up the faces of his fellow Drumquin team mates.
“Deepest condolences and all our thoughts are with Cameron’s family and friends at this most difficult time.”
Another mourner told how Cameron was “always smiling”, with a fourth writing: “No words.”
CRASH PROBE
The young man’s funeral details have not yet been confirmed.
An online death notice said: “Family home strictly private until wake and funeral arrangements have been confirmed.
“‘D’imigh tú i mbláth na hóige, ar Sholas na bhFlaitheas go raibh d’anam’. ‘You departed in the bloom of youth, may your soul be granted the Light of Heaven’.
“Ar dheis dé go raibh a anam.”
Chief Inspector Simpson, from the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit confirmed the collision involved a single vehicle – a lorry.
He said: “Our enquiries are continuing and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 410 of 02/02/26.”
