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Belfast father killed after being struck by lorry in US

West Belfast man Patrick McDonnell, who was a stain glass artist, was killed in a road crash in the United States
West Belfast man Patrick McDonnell, who was a stain glass artist, was killed in a road crash in the United States West Belfast man Patrick McDonnell, who was a stain glass artist, was killed in a road crash in the United States

A WEST Belfast man renowned for his stained glass artwork has been killed after being stuck by a lorry in the United States.

Patrick McDonnell (52), from the Twinbrook area, was hit by the vehicle in North Carolina on Monday.

The father-of three had been living in the US for the past five years after remarrying, but regularly returned home to Belfast.

He was well-known for his stained glass artwork and had continued his trade in the United States.

The avid Celtic football supporter was struck as he walked along Avent Ferry Road in the Holly Springs area shortly after 11pm.

His family have been contact with the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund, which are helping to bring Mr McDonnell's body home to Belfast.

Tributes have been paid to the artist, who was described as "a master of his own trade".

His son, also called Patrick, said the family were "devastated".

"I just wish it was a big dream," he said.

"I just can’t believe. I got a telephone call at 6.50 yesterday morning. I just didn’t know what to do…I was in shock.

"Walking to his home and his wife had phoned him and asked where he was, he says he was round the corner from the house and, he just never made it home."

He added: "He was just all for his work, specialist stained glass windows, and everybody knew him for what he did. He went out to America and took the work on there and he was just a working class man."

His nephew Seán Óg Mac Corraidh paid tribute on social media.

"Terrible news today with the tragic passing of my uncle Paddy McDonnell," he wrote.

"Devoted father of my cousins Shannon, Melissa and Patrick. A master of his own trade in dealing with stained glass and an avid Celtic fan."

Meanwhile, the body of a Co Down man who died after he was struck by two cars while on holiday in the Canary Islands is to arrive home tomorrow.

Jim Campbell (40), originally from Belfast but who had been living in Downpatrick, was killed near Fuerteventura Airport on February 17.

It is understood Mr Campbell, also known as 'Soupy', was struck as he walked alone to his accommodation from the airport, just hours after arriving on the island.

He is believed to have been struck by the first car, which emerged from a bend, before being run over by a second car.

Colin Bell from the Kevin Bell Repatriation Fund said his body was due to arrive in Dublin tomorrow afternoon before being returned to his family.