Cork teen killed in road accident remembered as both 'funny and gentle'
A Cork teen killed in a tragic road accident was remembered as ‘the funniest and most gentle friend’.
Conor Coleman, from Carrigaline, Co Cork, was out with friends in Little Island when the tragic incident happened just before midnight on Friday.
It’s understood the 19-year-old was hit by a car and suffered catastrophic injuries.
Conor Coleman. Pic: RIP.ie
A large number of young people with cars had gathered in the area where the collision took place.
Conor was rushed to Cork University Hospital, where frantic efforts were made to save him.
Unfortunately, he passed away ‘peacefully but unexpectedly in the presence of his loving family.’
Conor was rushed to Cork University Hospital. Pic: D. Ribeiro/Shutterstock
His family decided to donate his organs to give life to other patients.
Conor was a past pupil of Christian Brothers College where he was a well-liked pupil, popular with both students and friends.
In a death notice posted on RIP.ie, Conor’s family expressed ‘their heartfelt thanks to the wonderful staff in the Intensive Care Unit at the Cork University Hospital and the compassionate and respectful Organ Transplant team’.
The notice read: ‘Conor, cherished son of Barry and Trish (née Carty), adored brother of John, loved grandson of Betty and the late Séan Coleman and Tom and Eileen Carty.
It’s understood the 19-year-old was hit by a car and suffered catastrophic injuries. Pic: Colin Keegan, Collins Dublin
‘Sadly missed by his heartbroken parents and brother, aunts and uncles (Coleman) Olive, Una and Lance, Karen and Frank, (Carty) Mary and Rob, Catherine and Maurice, Tom and Mary Rose, Carmel and the late Peter McCarthy, Pat and Kathleen, Paula and Paul, Berni and Brian, cousins, extended family and a wide circle of cherished friends.’
Tributes have poured in for the teen, with friends describing Conor’s personality and what a great friend he was to so many.
One parent wrote: ‘We are devastated to hear of Conor’s tragic passing. Conor was a great friend to my son, and his personality lit up the room, he will truly be missed.’
Another said: ‘To Conor’s family, extended family and friends, may we offer our sincere condolences to you all at this difficult time.
‘Thank you for your wonderful gift of organ donation which will help save the lives of others. May Conor’s soul rest in eternal peace.’
Another stated: ‘I’m so deeply sorry for your loss. Conor donating his organs is an incredible gift, bringing hope and life to others even in such a difficult moment. His legacy will live on through those he has helped.’
A friend wrote: ‘I don’t think you could find a better character than Conor, the funniest and most gentle friend I’ve ever had.
‘I would change nothing with the time that I had with him. To have the pleasure to be your son’s friend means most to me at this time. He will forever be missed, may he rest easy.’
Another friend said: ‘Conor, you were my brother’s best friend, you were always smiling and laughing, and always up for doing something.
‘You brought so much life into every room you walked into. You meant more to our family than words can ever explain.
‘The laughs, the memories, all the times you were just there, they’ll stay with us forever.’
Gardai have issued an appeal for witnesses to the incident or those who were in the area at the time and may have dashcam footage to contact them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Mayfield Garda Station on 021 4558510, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.
A garda spokesperson said that the scene was examined by forensic collision investigators.
