A 25-YEAR-OLD man from Co Down has died following a car accident in Australia.
Ryan Doyle from Leitrim, outside Castlewellan, fell from a moving taxi in the city’s Belmont area after an argument with the driver over the fare, according to local media.
A relative, SDLP councillor Seamus Doyle, said Ryan had booked tickets to come home for Christmas just before his death.
“Ryan was a big part of the local community here in Leitrim and was well liked,” said Mr Doyle.
“He was a very outgoing and ambitious person who always worked hard. I would like to express my deepest sympathies to his mother and father, brothers and sisters who will now face a long hard time until his body is repatriated from Australia.
“He will be greatly missed and my thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.”
Mr Doyle had moved to Perth in Western Australia two years ago to work as a joiner after being unable to find work in Northern Ireland. He has been described as a keen sportsman and was a member of the Liatroim Fontenoys GAA club in the village.
Ryan had been living in Australia along with his two brothers Roland and Kevin and leaves mother Janette, father William, two brothers and a sister. A 26-year-old driver has been charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, failing to stop and render assistance and failing to report, Perth Now has reported.
The department of foreign affairs in Dublin is providing consular assistance to his family.
A memorial service is due to be held in Leitrim tonight. It is expected to be at least 10 days before his body will be repatriated to Northern Ireland.