Toddler dies after being hit by vehicle as he ‘WANDERED’ outside while unaware parents slept
COUNTY ROSCOMMON, IRELAND: A toddler was killed after being hit by a jeep while he was on a holiday with his parents in Ireland. Little 21-month-old boy, locally as Brandon Thomas Byrne died after he was hit by a jeep shortly after 9.am on Friday morning, August 19, outside the village of Ballinagare in Co Roscommon. His family from Clonsilla in Co Dublin had been holidaying in the area at the time and were reportedly asleep when the child left his bed and wandered out of the house and onto the road, Mirror reported.
According to The Sun, Brandon was remembered as “the most beautiful little light and adorable son of Louise Kehir and Andrew Byrne and cherished grandson of James, Noelene, and Fran.” Gardai and emergency services rushed to the scene, but despite best efforts, Brandon was pronounced dead a short time later. The collision occurred when a neighboring resident, who was pulling into his own land, didn't see the child. When he realized what had happened, the man immediately alerted the occupants in the adjacent house who initially thought he was mistaken. The parents then, however, realized Brandon wasn't in bed, or anywhere else in the house.
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Brandon was reposed at the family home in Clonsilla yesterday evening, August 22, from 6.pm before being brought for Mass of the Angels at the Church of St Philip the Apostle, Mountview, Clonsilla at 10.am today. He will be laid to rest in Mulhuddart Cemetery. A Garda spokesman said that officers are investigating the incident, but confirmed that no foul play is suspected. Gardaí is appealing for any road users with dashcam footage to make it available to investigators. Gardaí also confirmed a technical examination of the scene was completed by forensic collision investigators and a family liaison officer appointed to support the toddler's family, reported Daily Mail.
An online death notice stated Brandon “passed peacefully surrounded by his family who loves and cherishes him” and added that he will be “sadly missed by his heartbroken parents, grandparents, his uncles Richard and Mark, relatives, friends, and neighbors." Local priest Father Neil Devine offered prayers for Brandon during Sunday mass in nearby Frenchpark. “We pray for the deceased and their loved ones, in particular little Brandon who was involved in a tragic accident in our local area earlier this week,” he said. Father Devine said, “Myself and the entire local district are completely shocked. You never expect something like that in your local parish and it’s something no family should ever need to be prepared for. Our thoughts and prayers are with this family at this terrible time.”
One local said, “It’s an absolutely terrible tragedy, we all still can’t believe it, it really is heartbreaking. That poor family will never be the same again.” Local councilor in the Boyle Municipal district Joe Murphy said, “It’s an absolutely terrible tragedy, my heart and prayers go out to the family of the poor young infant and everyone involved in the accident. It will be so hard for the poor driver and his family as well. There’s just a terrible cloud over Ballinagare at the minute, and not only there but the whole of Roscommon, we just can’t believe it.” Brandon's father Andrew Byrne paid tribute to his 'darling son,' saying he will love him til the end of time."