Latest news with #DamienO'Brien
Sunday World
16-07-2025
- Sunday World
Irishman who died tragically in the US to be repatriated to family home
Damien O'Brien, a married father-of-two young children, was killed after being struck by a car while walking home from a night out with friends near Huntington Beach in California on July 6th last. An Irishman who died tragically in the US will be repatriated to his family home in Co Donegal later today. Damien O'Brien, a married father-of-two young children, was killed after being struck by a car while walking home from a night out with friends near Huntington Beach in California on July 6th last. A 21-year-old driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence. Mr O'Brien, 35, and his wife Michelle were expecting their third child in September. The deceased man moved to the US more than a decade ago from the east Donegal village of Killygordon and was a hugely popular member of the local Irish community in America. He was a member of the Wild Geese GAA Club and worked as vice president of operations with TM Grady Builders. The company has launched a GoFundMe page which has received a huge response from the local community with more than €250,000 being raised already. Damien is deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving wife, Michelle, (nee O'Connor), adoring sons Oscar and Luke, his parents Patricia and Bernard, parents-in-law, Pat and Patricia O'Connor (Glenfin), sisters Colleen and Róisin, brothers Stephen and Bernard, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, partners, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, colleagues and wide circle of friends. He will repose at the home of his parents in Stoneybatter, Killygordon from 5pm today (Wednesday, 16th July) until 9pm and on Thursday, 17th July from 1pm until 9pm with the Rosary nightly at 9pm with family time on both nights from after the Rosary and on the morning of the funeral. Damien's Requiem Mass will take place on Friday, 18th July, at 12 noon in St. Patrick's Church, Killygordon, F93 W2C2, where Damien was baptised, received his First Communion and Confirmation. He will be buried afterwards in Cill Mhuire Cemetery, Glenfin. Mr O'Brien's burial is strictly private for the O'Brien and O'Connor families only. Damien O'Brien Today's News in 90 Seconds - July 16th
Irish Daily Mirror
16-07-2025
- Irish Daily Mirror
Irishman killed tragically in US to be repatriated home today
An Irishman who died tragically in the US will be repatriated to his family home in Co Donegal later today. Damien O'Brien, a married father-of-two young children, was killed after being struck by a car while walking home from a night out with friends near Huntington Beach in California on July 6 last. A 21-year-old driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence. Mr O'Brien, 35, and his wife Michelle were expecting their third child in September. The deceased man moved to the US more than a decade ago from the east Donegal village of Killygordon and was a hugely popular member of the local Irish community in America. Damien O'Brien (Image: GoFundMe) He was a member of the Wild Geese GAA Club and worked as vice president of operations with TM Grady Builders. The company has launched a GoFundMe page which has received a huge response from the local community with more than €250,000 being raised already. Damien is deeply regretted and sadly missed by his loving wife, Michelle, (nee O'Connor), adoring sons Oscar and Luke, his parents Patricia and Bernard, parents-in-law, Pat and Patricia O'Connor (Glenfin), sisters Colleen and Róisin, brothers Stephen and Bernard, sisters-in-law, brother-in-law, partners, nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family, colleagues and wide circle of friends. He will repose at the home of his parents in Stoneybatter, Killygordon from 5pm today, Wednesday, 16 July, until 9pm and on Thursday, 17 July from 1pm until 9pm with the Rosary nightly at 9pm with family time on both nights from after the Rosary and on the morning of the funeral. Damien's Requiem Mass will take place on Friday, 18 July, at 12 noon in St. Patrick's Church, Killygordon, F93 W2C2, where Damien was baptised, received his First Communion and Confirmation. He will be buried afterwards in Cill Mhuire Cemetery, Glenfin. Mr O'Brien's burial is strictly private for the O'Brien and O'Connor families only. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here.
Irish Examiner
09-07-2025
- Irish Examiner
Irish community 'rocked to the core' by death of Donegal man Damien O'Brien in California
A Donegal man killed by a suspected drunk driver in the United States has been described as a "devoted family man". 35-year-old Damien O'Brien died after being struck by a car in Huntington Beach, California on Sunday. A 21-year-old was arrested at the scene of the incident suspected of driving under the influence. Damien O'Brien had two sons with his wife Michelle who is also expecting a third in September. Originally from Killygordon in Donegal, he was a dedicated member of the Huntington Beach-based Wild Geese GAA club. "Such a heartbreaking tragedy," club chairman Fintan Burke told the Irish Examiner. "The Wild Geese GAA club and the entire Irish community here in Orange County and Greater Los Angeles area is absolutely rocked to the core with this news. "Damien was an integral part of our club here in Huntington Beach. Since moving to Orange County 12 years ago, he was deeply involved as both a player and committee member. "Just last month, he, his wife Michelle and two beautiful young boys would have celebrated Family Day with us. Damien played as recently as a week ago in our one-point victory over the LA Cougars. "A proud Donegal man, he had been riding high in recent weeks with Jimmy winning matches again. He was a true gentleman—always up for the craic, always there when anyone needed anything. "But above all, Damien was a devoted family man. He carried himself with a level of integrity that the rest of us could only hope to match. His absence leaves a void that will be felt deeply and forever in this club." Damien O'Brien worked as vice-president of operations with TM Grady Builders. The company has set up a fundraiser to assist the family. "Damien was an extraordinary man, a leader, and a beloved member of our TM Grady Builders family, known for his dedication, warmth, wisdom, and professionalism," company president Tim Grady wrote on GoFundMe. "His contributions to our projects and his genuine care for our clients left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him." You can donate to the fundraiser here.
The Journal
09-07-2025
- The Journal
Irish man killed in US by suspected drunk driver named as father from Donegal
AN IRISH MAN killed in the US following a road traffic incident by a suspected drunk-driver has been named as Damien O'Brien. The 35-year-old had moved to America more than a decade ago from his native Killygordon in Co Donegal. He was struck by a car in the early hours of Sunday while walking home from a night out with friends near Huntington Beach in California. A 21 year-old driver was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence. Damien O'Brien had two sons with his his wife Michelle, who is expecting their third child soon. Advertisement He was a well-known and much-loved member of the Irish community in the area and was a member of the Wild Geese GAA Club. He worked as Vice President of Operations with TM Grady Builders. The company has launched a Go Fund Me page which has received a huge response from the local community. Organiser TM Grady said Damien was known for his 'dedication, warmth, wisdom, and professionalism.' He said: 'It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the sudden passing of our Vice President of Operations, Damien O'Brien, in a tragic accident on Sunday July 6th. 'Damien was an extraordinary man, a leader, and a beloved member of our TM Grady Builder family, known for his dedication, warmth, wisdom, and professionalism. 'His contributions to our projects and his genuine care for our clients left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.' Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
The Irish Sun
09-07-2025
- The Irish Sun
Touching tributes for tragic Irish dad who was expecting third baby as ‘extraordinary man' killed by drunk driver in US
A YOUNG Irishman who was killed after being knocked down by a drunk driver in California was expecting his third baby later this year. Popular Damien O'Brien from Advertisement 2 Damien O'Brien had been living in the USA for over 10 years Credit: GoFundMe 2 The young dad sadly passed away at the scene of the incident Credit: GoFundMe The driver of the car that hit him, a 21-year-old man, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of driving under the influence. Damien, 35, is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle and their two young sons, Oscar and Luke. The couples third baby boy is due in September. The family had been living near Advertisement READ MORE IRISH NEWS Damien, who was Vice President of Operations at TM Grady Builders, has been remembered as an "extraordinary man" by heartbroken loved ones following the tragic incident. His employer, Tim Grady launched a Tim wrote: "It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the sudden passing of our Vice President of Operations, Damien O'Brien, in a tragic accident on Sunday July 6th. "Damien was an extraordinary man, a leader, and a beloved member of our TM Grady Builder family, known for his dedication, warmth, wisdom, and professionalism. Advertisement MOST READ ON THE IRISH SUN "His contributions to our projects and his genuine care for our clients left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him. "Damien is survived by his beloved wife, Michelle, their two young sons, Oscar and Luke, and baby boy #3 due in September. "Your donation will go to Damien's family to help with monthly bills and any unexpected expenses." O'Grady told how the community can "make a difference" in Damien's family's life by "coming together to support them" during this time. Advertisement He added: "Thank you from the TM Grady Family on behalf of the O'Brien family." The United States Gaelic Athletic Association urged anyone who can to donate to the ' 'HE WAS ONE OF A KIND' It added: "With heavy hearts, USGAA is extremely saddened to inform you of the tragic passing of LA Geese member, Damien O'Brien. "Damien was hit and killed by a drunk driver and he leaves behind his wife, Michelle, and his two young sons, Oscar and Luke, along with baby boy #3 due in September. Advertisement "The company that Damien worked for has set up a GoFundMe to help alleviate the financial stress his sudden passing has caused his family. Please help support them with current and future bills by kindly donating what you can to his heartbroken family." Shane Connolly Car Sales LTD, which Damien worked at before setting off to America in 2013, said they are "devastated" at the news of his passing. They said: "He helped us out so much at the start setting up the business. Damien could turn his hand to anything and worked plenty of late nights. He was one of a kind." Police officers said Damien was struck by a black Audi RS5 in the Huntington Beach area. Advertisement Huntington Beach PD said: "Paramedics were called to the scene however, the pedestrian was later pronounced deceased. "Impairment is suspected with the driver of the Audi RS5. He was taken into custody." Police said the collision investigation is ongoing and urged anyone who may have witnessed the incident or the events leading up to it to come forward.
