The family of an Irishman tragically killed as walked across a a road have opened up about their heartache.
John Byrne, who has Down syndrome, was on his way home from his weekly chipper when he was struck last Friday on Whitestown Road in Rush, Co Dublin.
The 39-year-old was rushed to Beaumont Hospital but was sadly pronounced dead.
His heartbroken dad Tom said: "This incident has been really traumatic. It is the most difficult thing to happen in our lives.
"He was on life support in Beaumont and we initially had hope for him, but that hope faded."
However, John's family have decided to donate his organs. And Tom said the decision has helped his family to deal with their grief.
He told the Independent: "When one of the staff suggested organ donation, we knew it would be what John would have wanted.
"As my wife Barbara said to me, if John is alive in other people he is not dead at all.
"John was very healthy. I grow organic vegetables and we eat healthy food, which meant he could have his chips as a treat on a Friday.
"He didn't smoke or drink, so he ticked all the boxes when it came to organ donation."
John, who was from Oldtown, used to take two buses every day to Prosper Fingal centre for people with intellectual disabilities.
And his caring dad described him as a "sociable lad" who loved discos and had a "great way with the ladies".
"Although he was 39 he was only 5ft tall and weighed less than eight stone. To us he was our boy, he was our pal.
"He was a very sociable lad, and loved the discos and meeting people.
"If ever we were out he'd be bringing girls over to us and introducing us, and then asking for their phone numbers. He had a great way with the ladies."
After the tragic collision, gardai appealed to anybody who witnessed this incident to contact Balbriggan Garda Station.
