Laois gardaí renew appeal after fatal crash
Gabriel-Ion Gal is sadly mourned. Image: RIP.ie
GARDAÍ have renewed an appeal for witnesses following the tragic death of a father-of-one in a bicycle accident in Mountmellick.
Gabriel-Ion Gal, who was aged in his 50s, suffered fatal injuries when his bicycle crashed into railing bollards during the May bank holiday weekend.
The crash happened on College Avenue at about 4.30pm on Sunday 3 May.
A native of Romania who was on the staff of Midland Steel for many years, his death caused enormous shock and sadness in the town and his workplace.
A resident of College View, Mountmellick, he was the beloved husband of Mihaela and adored father of Alexandru. His death notice on RIP.ie said: ‘He will be very sadly missed by his loving family, friends and work colleagues at Midland Steel.’
Heartfelt tributes were paid by sympathisers on RIP.ie to the highly regarded crash victim, who was known to his workmates and many friends as Gabi and was widely described as a gentle, kind and very hard-working man.
Sending condolences to his grieving wife, son and extended family, Midland Steel said: ‘Gabi was a gentleman who always will be remembered for his smile and personal welcome to everyone he met and worked with. A tremendous loss to his family and to us all in Midland Steel.’
Among condolences from many colleagues, another wrote: ‘I worked with Gabriel in Midland Steel, he was a very kind and genuine man that always spoke very highly of his family.’
Reposal at Moloney’s Funeral Home from 1pm last Friday was followed by removal to St Joseph's Church, Mountmellick for a prayer service at 2pm. The funeral will take place in Romania at a later date.
In a renewed appeal on Sunday, one week after his death, Laois gardaí said they continue to investigate the circumstances of the fatal collision.
They are appealing to anyone who was in the area, who may have witnessed the accident and/or rendered assistance to the victim, to contact Mountmellick Garda Station on 057 8624140 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 with any information.
They are also appealing to road users who may have camera footage from the area at the time of the collision, including dash-cam, to make the footage available to gardaí.
