Northern Ireland

Pedestrian killed by car on M1 in Tyrone lost father in bike crash

Darryl Thompson was hit by a car on the motorway near Tamnamore at about 10.20pm on Saturday
Darryl Thompson was hit by a car on the motorway near Tamnamore at about 10.20pm on Saturday Darryl Thompson was hit by a car on the motorway near Tamnamore at about 10.20pm on Saturday

A 22-YEAR-OLD Co Tyrone man who died after being hit by a car on the M1 had lost his father more than a decade ago in a motorbike crash.

Darryl Thompson, from Beragh, was fondly described yesterday as a “very popular young man” whose death would leave the community “heartbroken”.

He died after being hit on the M1 between junctions 14 and 15 near Tamnamore at about 10.20pm on Saturday.

Police have appealed for anyone who was travelling on the road at the time to contact them.

In July 2006 Mr Thompson’s father Tony was killed at the age of 38 in a crash with a lorry on the Mulvin Road close to Newtownstewart. Fellow motorcyclist Colin Thornton also died in the collision.

According to Mr Thompson’s social media profile, he attended Sacred Heart College in Omagh and worked as a technician.

His funeral is expected to take place in Beragh towards the end of this week.

Mgr Colum Curry, the parish priest in Beragh, said: “People in the area will be heartbroken at the death of a very popular young man.”

Mr Thompson is survived by his mother Edwina, sister Katie, brother Jack, stepfather Keith Clarke and wider family circle.

Katie Thompson said the family was “heartbroken”.

“Now you’re flying high with Daddy, Darryl Thompson. I will love and cherish our brother/sister memories forever and ever,” she wrote on Facebook.

UUP councillor Bert Wilson said the death was “a real tragedy” for the community.

“Four young people from the Beragh area have now lost their lives in recent months. It is a disaster for the whole area and I want to send my sympathies and prayers to the family,” he said.

Meanwhile, three people were injured in a collision in Dundonald, Co Down, on Saturday afternoon.

One person is seriously ill after the two-vehicle crash on Comber Road.

The air ambulance attended the scene and the road was closed for a period.