Aodh?n Gillen: PSNI issue appeal after footballer dies following crash

Police are appealing for information after the death of a 22-year-old man following a crash in Co Antrim[1]. Aodhan Gillen, who played for Dundela Football Club, died after a single-vehicle road traffic collision which happened in the Scullions Road area of Newtownabbey[2] on March 14. He was a pedestrian when he was involved in the crash with a Grey Volkswagen Tiguan, police say.

Aodhan passed away while in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries. PSNI[4] Sergeant Braiden from the Collision Investigation Unit said: “Police received a report shortly after 7.40am on Tuesday, 14th March that a pedestrian had been involved in a collision with a Grey Volkswagen Tiguan. “The man has been named as 22-year-old Aodhan Gillen from the Newtownabbey area.

“Emergency services attended and Mr Gillen was subsequently taken to hospital for treatment. Sadly, while he was in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries, he passed away. “Our investigation is continuing and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the Scullions Road area around this time and date and who has dash-cam footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 248 of 14/03/23.”

Paying tribute to the talented athlete, a representative for the Gillen family said that a GoFundMe page[5] set up in his memory will help the family with funeral costs. “Aodhan was a very humble, respectful young man,” they said. “Anyone who knew him would absolutely agree with that.

He was an athlete in all respects and a brilliant footballer. “Aodhan was a very intelligent young man and a model representation for his family. “He was quiet, unassuming and very respectful towards everybody.”

Tributes have been pouring in from across the football world with his club Dundela FC saying that his “caring nature, and his friendly attitude” made him popular with everyone at the club.

To donate to the GoFundMe set up in Aodhan’s memory click here[6].

For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here[7] and sign up to our daily newsletter[8] here.

References

1. ^ Co Antrim (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
2. ^ Newtownabbey (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
3. ^ Dundela ‘devastated’ by sad passing of Aodhan Gillen (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
4. ^ PSNI (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
5. ^ GoFundMe page (www.gofundme.com)
6. ^ click here (www.gofundme.com)
7. ^ here (www.belfastlive.co.uk)
8. ^ sign up to our daily newsletter (www.belfastlive.co.uk)