A Co Armagh man killed in a crash in Co Donegal that left his partner seriously injured will be remembered by family and friends as “one of the most gentle souls in this world”.
The victim of Sunday’s two-vehicle collision in the Pettigo area has been named locally as Ronan King, who was in his 20s and from Lurgan.
The crash involving a car and a 4×4 vehicle happened at around 2.45pm on the R232 at Fincashel, close to the border with Co Fermanagh.
Gardaí say the driver of the car, a man in his 20s, was pronounced dead at the scene, and that a woman passenger, also in her 20s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries, where she remains.
The driver of the 4×4, a man in his 60s, was also taken to hospital for assessment.
A post-mortem on the deceased was to be be carried out at University Hospital Letterkenny, while a Garda investigation into the crash continues.
In a heartbreaking post to social media, Ronan King’s brother Jamie said: “Rest in peace to my eldest brother…he was one of the most gentle souls in this world and was taken away from it far far too soon,” adding: “We all will miss you dearly and love you so so much.”
His mother Paula McCaffrey described him in a post as “my wee son and my best friend, the best son in the world”.
Friend Tomas McNeice wrote in a post: “It was an absolute pleasure knowing you Ronan King. You will be missed deeply. Thank you for all the memories you have given us.”
Katheryn Martins said in a tribute to Mr King: “Thank you so much for all our memories and laughs and everything you’ve done for me, I’ll never forget you.”
The tragedy follows the deaths of a 16-year-old male and a man in his 40s in separate Co Tyrone crashes last week, and a 21-year-old motorcyclist in Newtownards, Co Down.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the crash, or those with relevant dash-cam or other footage to contact them.
A Gardaí spokesperson said: “Anyone with information is asked to contact Ballyshannon Garda Station on 071 985 8530, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.”