Tragedy has struck at the Cycle against suicide event as man has lost his life. Less than an hour after departing from a rousing and inspirational gathering at the Abbey Vocational School in Donegal Town, the charity event was tragically cut short as a man was killed in a terrible accident.
The Road has since been closed off for most of the day (Wednesday) for forensic investigation but is expected to re-opened again this evening.
The organisers of Cycle against Suicide released the following statement .;
“A fatal traffic accident occurred at approximately 11.30 this morning on day ten of the Cycle Against Suicide Cycle, along the Donegal to Strabane route.
“The accident, involving a motorcycle marshal and another vehicle, happened approximately 45 minutes after the group of cyclists departed from Donegal town. Tragically, the motorcycle marshal lost his life in this accident.
No cyclists were involved in the accident and all cyclists returned to Donegal following the accident.
No decision has been made as yet with regards to the remaining four days of the cycle.
Jim Breen, founder of Cycle Against Suicide has made a statement in regards to the incident “Our thoughts and prayers are with our dear friend and his family at this incredibly difficult time. Our hearts are simply broken.”
One person who had been involved in the Donegal leg of the Cycle said, “Our deepest sympathies are extended to Jim Breen and his truly inspirational band of cyclists who lost a great friend in a tragic accident today.
“It is so sad that people who have worked tirelessly to bring hope and inspiration to so many people should be the victims of such a heartbreaking tragedy.
“It has been a sad day in Donegal Town today but to see so many people rallying around shoulder to shoulder was yet another great inspiration to many. “