A father-of-five reportedly died after his car skidded on a flooded road as Storm Isha battered the UK and Ireland.
Jimmy Rowe has been named locally as one of the people who died during the storm. Four other people are said to have been killed during the extreme weather.
Mr Rowe was said to be driving near Claremorris in County Mayo, Ireland, yesterday evening, reports The Mirror. His brother Albie paid tribute on a public Facebook page.
He wrote: “Folks, with a heavy heart I bring you the heartbreaking news that our baby brother Jimmy Rowe has lost his life on the roads. Give your loved ones a hug you never know when it’s the last. Love you forever Jimmy.”
Jimmy, who lived in Tuam in County Galway, is thought to have been driving on the N17. Police are now investigating the incident.
Councillor Killilea, for Galway County Council, said: “I believe Jimmy was dropping his daughter to the north western region and he was on way home to Co Galway when he tragically lost his life. He was a nice quiet man and worked in Tuam. He worked in the building trade and been living in the area for a few years. My sympathies go out to his family in Longford, and to his partner and all his friends here.”
One person close to Jimmy told Galway Beo: “Our hearts are broke in bits. You never think the last time is the last time but sadly it was this time. No family should ever have to go through it.”
A Garda Siochana spokesman said: “Gardaí attended the scene of a fatal single vehicle road traffic collision that occurred shortly before 6:15pm on Sunday 21st January 2024 on the N17 at Lisduff, Claremorris, County Mayo. The driver and sole occupant of the only car involved in this collision, a man in his 40s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“The services of Forensic Collision Investigators have been requested. Gardaí are appealing for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.”
Elsewhere a woman in her 20s died in another crash in Ireland. The Gardaí were called after a crash involving a van in Carnalogue in County Louth at approximately 1.50am today.
Storm Isha, an Atlantic storm that brought strong gusts and heavy rain, claimed the lives of at least five people – three in the UK and two in Ireland.
An 84-year-old man is said to have died in Fife, Scotland, after his car collided with a tree. While a man fell down a manhole in Bradford after safety barriers were destroyed by the winds.
A man in his 60s died after the car he was driving in was involved in a collision with a fallen tree in Limavady, Co Londonderry, on Sunday night.
