A fundraiser has been organized to support the family of 36-year-old lorry driver Mark Murphy, who died in a road accident outside Newry last night.
Mr Murphy, from the Downpatrick area, was pronounced dead after a collision involving his truck and a bus on Rathfriland Road.
The fundraiser hopes to collect £6,500 to assist Murphy’s grieving partner Danielle and their three young children with funeral costs and other expenses arising from the family’s devastating loss.
Tiffany Magee, a cousin of Mark’s wife Danielle said Mr Murphy “was a hard working family man who would do anything for anyone but he was also a big ejit and a kid at heart.”
She added that he “will be forever missed by all who knew him but especially his partner Danielle and kids.”
The crash happened close to the junction with the Damolly Road.
Mr Murphy was one of two people taken to hospital following the collision.
Police are investigating the crash.
On her fundraising page, Ms Magee said: “I would like to raise as much as possible to help with funeral expenses to take the stress away from this young family.”
Donations and messages of support poured in, with one friend writing, “Devastated to hear about Mark. Thoughts are with the entire family circle.”
Another donor added, “Will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with Mark’s partner & children at this sad time.”
The GoFundMe has so far raised over £5,800.
Downpatrick SDLP councillor Conor Galbraith told the Irish News: “This is a heartbreaking outcome, and the thoughts of everyone in the Downpatrick area will be with the victim’s family as they come to terms with this tragic loss.
“My thoughts are also with the bus driver who was injured, and I wish her a speedy recovery. I would also urge anyone who witnessed the collision to please get in touch with police to assist in their investigation.”
