Fatal Laois crash victim is named locally

A YOUNG motorcyclist who died in a horrific crash in Laois last night has been named locally as Dawid ‘Davy’ Kluz from Kilbeggan, Co Westmeath.

Aged in his 20s, Davy lost his life in a single-vehicle collision in Abbeyleix shortly before 8pm, at the junction of the Portlaoise Road and Ballyroan Road.

An extremely popular employee at Shanette Superior Space in Kilbeggan, where he worked with his father and brother, he was sadly pronounced dead at the scene following the crash.

Posting a heartfelt tribute and photograph on social media today, his colleagues at steel shed manufacturers Shanette Superior Space said: ‘With our broken hearts, we share the news that we've lost one of our valued Shanette colleagues in a traffic accident.

‘Davy Kluz was loved by everyone and truly was part of our family. Starting on the factory floor at 16, he had recently transitioned to the drawing office and was loved by everyone he worked with along the way.

‘Davy's bright smile lit up the building and he’ll be deeply missed and never forgotten.

‘Our deepest condolences go out to all who loved Davy, especially his dad Bart and brother Matt, who are also part of our team here at Shanette.’ 

Funeral arrangements have yet to be announced. A brief death notice today on rip.ie says: ‘The death has occurred of Dawid Kluz, Loughnagore, Kilbeggan, Westmeath/Tullamore, Offaly, suddenly on 8 July, following an accident. May Dawid rest in peace. Funeral arrangements later.’

Garda Forensic Collision Investigators attended the scene this morning and gardaí are continuing to appeal for witnesses following the fatal crash.

Any road users or pedestrians who were in the area between 7pm and 8pm and have camera footage, including dash-cam, are asked to make it available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Abbeyleix Garda Station at 057 8730580, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.