A 14-year-old boy has died after the car he was driving crashed into a tree in a horror hit.
A teenage passenger had to be cut out of the car and taken to a hospital where he is in critical condition.
Thomas Healy, who was only 14 years old, was the driver of the vehicle that crashed in Killarney in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
A heartbreaking picture of Thomas was shared and friends said they were “utterly devastated” over the tragic loss, the Irish Mirror reports.
The boy and his buddy were driving a Toyota Corolla when it collided with the tree at around 1:10 a.m.
Rescue workers rushed to the scene, but the tragic boy was pronounced dead a short time later.
Thomas Healy
(Image: irishmirror WS)
Thomas’ buddy, believed to be 15 years old, was rushed to Kerry University Hospital after being cut out of the car.
He remained in critical condition on Wednesday afternoon.
Family friends described the youngster as “a lovable boy” who was “a talented footballer” and had a bright future ahead of him.
“He was a bright, intelligent boy. It’s everyone’s nightmare, ”a family friend told us.
“The family is devastated.”
In a statement, gardai confirmed that they are investigating the crash – but the matter has also been referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC).
“Gardaí is investigating a fatal collision with a single vehicle in traffic that occurred this morning, July 7th, 2021 at around 1:10 a.m. on Ross Road in Killarney, Co. Kerry.
“The driver of the car, a teenage male, was pronounced dead at the scene. A passenger in the car, also a teenage male, was taken to Kerry University Hospital for treatment for serious injuries. “
Gardaí encourages anyone with information to contact Killarney at 064 6671160 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.
Since the vehicle “had an interaction with Gardaí prior to the collision,” the matter was referred to the GSOC for investigation.
In a statement to the Irish Mirror, the GSOC confirmed the transfer, stating: “The GSOC received a transfer (pursuant to Section 102 of the Garda Síochána Act) from a Garda Superintendent regarding an incident involving a male driver making a single trip was fatally injured – early morning traffic collision on Ross Road, Killarney, County Kerry.
“Gardaí had become aware of the vehicle before the collision in downtown Killarney.
“The matter is now being examined by the GSOC.”
“The GSOC would like to invite all potential witnesses to the incident and anyone who may have captured the incident on CCTV or dashcam footage to contact the GSOC at 1890 600 800 or info@gsoc.ie.”
