Irish cyclist and married father of five Aidan Fitzpatrick has sadly died from injuries he sustained when he crashed with a driver in a car while out cycling on Sunday.
Aidan was a member of the Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club based in Loughinisland, Co Down.
He was one of two cyclists involved in a crash with a driver in a car near Downpatrick on Sunday.
The collision occurred on Killyleagh Road at about 2pm. While he was taken to hospital from the scene he remained critically ill and passed away yesterday.
His family released a statement saying while they were
devastated, they took some comfort from the fact he was an organ donor.
"We are devastated to lose our beloved Aidan. We
have met Aidan's wish to donate his organs and will find comfort that five
other families may get hope from our loss,” they said.
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"Aidan's forethought to be an organ donor is typical
of his giving nature and care for others.
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"The family is grateful for the many messages of
sympathy and support we have received and would ask for privacy at this
difficult time."
His club confirmed that Aidan’s fatal injuries had been
sustained while on a club ride.
“It is with great sadness and regret that the committee
of La Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club (LLRCC) must inform you that our member Mr
Aidan Fitzpatrick passed away today in the RVH from injuries sustained
following a road traffic accident while on a club spin on Sunday 20th October,”
it said.
“Aidan was much loved by his cycling friends. He was a
true gentleman and it was an absolute privilege to know him. He will be very
sadly missed by us all.
“The membership and committee of La Lanterne Rouge Cycling Club convey our deepest sympathies to
Aidan’s wife Deirdre, and their children Louise, Ciaran, Peter, Niall and
Niamh.”
Aidan worked at the Equality Commission and its chief
executive, Dr Evelyn Collins, said everyone was shocked by his death.
"Aidan worked with the Fair Employment Commission
and then the Equality Commission and made a huge contribution to equality in
workplaces across Northern Ireland over his long career," she said.
"He was a true gentleman and will be greatly missed
by all of us. We send our heartfelt sympathies to his family and friends at
this very sad time."
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