The 19-year-old’s “life was heartbreakingly cut short” in a hit-and-run collision while he was out cycling with a friend
Thousands has been raised to support the family of a teenager who was killed in a hit-and-run collision earlier this week while out training for an Ironman competition.
19-year-old TJ McDonnell, from Durhamstown, Bohermeen, was cycling with a friend when he was struck by a van in Nugentstown, Kells in Co Meath shortly after 8pm on Tuesday evening, August 25.
The driver failed to remain at the scene following the collision, the Irish Mirror reports.
A GoFundMe page has since been set up to support the young man’s family, with people from across the country supporting the fundraising campaign.
A message from the organisers of the GoFundMe page described TJ as “an incredibly fit and driven young man” whose “life was heartbreakingly cut short in a hit-and-run while he was out cycling with his friend, training for an Ironman”.
“He was doing something he loved, working towards a goal he was passionate about, when his life was suddenly and tragically stolen,” they said.
“He was a son, a brother, a nephew a teammate and someone who brought light and positivity wherever he went. Those who knew him knew his huge smile, his energy, his kindness and the way he made everyone around him feel.”
The organisers of the GoFundMe campaign said the money raised will help TJ’s family with the costs of his funeral and “to ease some of the financial burden they now face while they grieve the loss of their beloved son and family member”.
“No family should have to face the loss of their child in such sudden and devastating circumstances,” they added.
“Any donation, no matter how small, will go TJ’s family. If you are unable to donate, simply sharing this fundraiser would be an incredible help.
“Rest peacefully, TJ. Your life was far too short, but the impact you made on the people around you will never be forgotten.”
So far, more than €55,500 has been raised from over 1,200 donations – well beyond the initial target of €5,000. If you would like to make a donation, you can visit the GoFundMe page here.
Tributes continue to pour in for TJ, who was gifted athlete who was passionate about fitness and had competed in a number of Hyrox events.
The teenager was a hugely popular member of Cole’s Gym in Kells, with the gym owner Caolan Cole paying an emotional tribute to TJ.
“It’s impossible to put into words what TJ meant to us,” he said. “There wasn’t a bad bone in his body, never a bad word to say about anyone and never an ego. No matter who you were or what level you were at, TJ made you feel like you belonged.
“With all the people who have come through our doors, you’d struggle to find one who didn’t know TJ. Everyone knew that big smile coming through the front door. He could light the place up just by walking in. That was him, always smiling, always full of energy and always making the people around him feel better.
“We absolutely love that man. The fittest and strongest person in the gym, yet always the one encouraging everyone around him.
“Everyone had their own TJ story. That alone tells you the impact this man left on all of us.”
Caolan added: “Our deepest condolences and all our love go to TJ’s family, friends and everyone closest to him. As heartbroken as we are, we can only imagine their loss. We hope they can take some comfort in knowing how deeply loved TJ was here and how many lives he made better simply by being himself.
“The gym will never be the same. Every time that front door opens, a part of us will still be waiting to see that smile walk through it again.
“You set the standard TJ, not just as an athlete, but as a man. We miss you more than words can say. We love you brother. Rest easy.
“Forever part of our gym. Forever part of our family.”
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