Irish American community rallies in support after Donegal father killed in California

A GoFundMe for the family of Damien O'Brien, the Donegal man who was killed in a road accident in California on Sunday, July 6, has received more than $140k in donations in less than a day.

O'Brien, a 35-year-old native of Stoneybatter, Killygordon, Co Donegal, had been living in California for more than a decade.

His wife, Michelle, is also a native of Co Donegal and is expecting the couple's third son this September.

Huntington Beach Police Department in California said that it responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Atlanta Ave and Delaware St, involving a black Audi RS5 and a pedestrian, at about 12:43 am on Sunday, July 6.

While officers located the 21-year-old driver uninjured, a 35-year-old male was found unconscious in the roadway.

Police said paramedics were called to the scene, but the pedestrian was later pronounced deceased.

"Impairment is suspected with the driver of the Audi RS5," police said, adding that the driver was taken into custody at the scene without incident.

Following the fatal road collision, Tim Grady, of TM Grady Builders, where O'Brien worked, launched a GoFundMe "Aid for Damien O'Brien's Family After Tragic Loss."

"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," Grady wrote on the fundraising page.

"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."

Grady said donations will go to Damien's family "to help with monthly bills & any unexpected expenses."

He added: "We can make a difference in Damien's family's life by coming together to support them during this challenging time."

As of Wednesday evening, the GoFundMe page has raised more than $140k from more than 430 donations, a figure that is steadily growing.

The GoFundMe has earned the backing of several GAA clubs, both in the US and Ireland - O'Brien was a member of the OC Wild Geese, an Irish Gaelic Football Club based in Huntington Beach.

The USGAA, which said it was extremely saddened to share the news of O'Brien's passing, encouraged its followers to support the GoFundMe, as did Donegal GAA and Red Hughs GAA in Ireland.