Dublin grandparents seriously injured after being hit by car in Massachusetts

Dublin grandparents William 'Liam' Ryder and Kathleen Ryder are recovering in the hospital after they were seriously injured in a road accident in Massachusetts.

The elderly couple was struck down by a vehicle that ran a red light on Park Avenue in Worcester on Thursday, September 25, the day after they arrived in the US to visit their son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren.

The couple was returning from a walk around the neighborhood and attempting to cross the street when the SUV, being driven by a teenager, struck them.

84-year-old William, a retired school principal, has now had multiple hip surgeries, while 80-year-old Kathleen, a retired teacher, was in critical condition.

The Worcester Telegram reports that, according to police, the 17-year-old driver has had his license suspended and will be summoned to court for operating to endanger, failing to yield to pedestrians in a marked crosswalk, a red light violation, and speeding.

William and Kathleen's daughters have since traveled from Ireland to the US, while William's niece Una has launched a GoFundMe, hoping to raise €60k.

The accident "resulted in severe injuries and possibly life-changing consequences," Una wrote on the GoFundMe.

Family members told Worcester Telegram that the couple's Irish medical insurance provides a sum for medical emergencies abroad, but the funds have likely been exhausted.

"As well as assisting with medical and other expenses, it is likely that they will need ongoing care," Una wrote on the GoFundMe page.

"On behalf of Liam and Kathleen and their wider family, we would welcome any support that you can offer, to help with what promises to be a long road ahead. All donations no matter how small will be greatly appreciated."

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Kathleen and William 'Liam' Ryder. (GoFundMe)

Jude Mullaney, the couple's daughter-in-law, told the Worcester Telegraph that William and Kathleen, who have visited them in Massachusetts twice a year for the past three decades, consider Worcester a second home.

She said: "We hope that the city they loved so much can now offer them support or prayer at such a challenging time."