A man has tragically been killed after a tree fell on his car while he was driving amid the hurricane-force winds of Storm Éowyn. Kacper Dudek had just came across an accident on the road in Donegal, Ireland, and was doing a U-turn when the storm uprooted a tree, which crushed his car, according to police.
Authorities confirmed the identity of the Polish-born victim on Saturday morning as an investigation into the tragedy continues. The 20-year-old’s body has been removed from the scene at Feddyglass, Raphoe to the mortuary at Letterkenny University, where a post-mortem examination is due to take place.
Kacper was on the phone to his father when the horrific scene unfolded. Sources say him and a friend had been let out early from their night shift job, and were driving home in separate cars, the Mirror reports.
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A statement by An Garda Síochána said: “Gardaí in Raphoe continue to investigate the fatal road traffic incident that occurred at Feddyglass, Raphoe, Donegal on Friday morning 24th January 2025 which resulted in the death of Kacper Dudek (20).
“The body of the deceased man has been removed from the scene to the mortuary in Letterkenny University Hospital where a post mortem examination will take place in due course. The N14 remains closed and local diversions are in place.
“Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are conducting a full examination of the scene this morning. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned to provided support to the family of Mr Dudek (RIP). Investigations ongoing.”
Local Fianna Fail councillor Patrick McGowan said Kacper’s death had shocked the community. He said: “We all send our sympathies to the family.” Kacper’s death is believed to be the only fatality in Ireland as the whole country was battered by the storm.
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