‘He was one of a kind' – Donegal father who died after being hit by car in California remembered as ‘an extraordinary man'

Irish Independent

10-07-2025

Damien O'Brien (35) formerly of Killygordon, Co Donegal, died after he was struck by a car in Huntington Beach, California, in the early hours of Sunday morning.
Police and emergency services attended the scene at around 12.45am and a driver of an Audi, a 21-year-old man, was arrested under the suspicion of driving while impaired.
Mr O'Brien had been living in America with his wife Michelle and their two young children, Oscar and Luke, with a third baby due in September.
Mr O'Brien went to America over a decade ago and was heavily involved in GAA, playing with Wild Geese GAA Club in Huntington Beach since 2014.
He was a former student at Sligo IT and had played GAA for the college team.
Mr O'Brien, who was a chartered surveyor, worked as Vice President of Operations at T.M. Grady Builders.
A GoFundMe page has been launched by Mr O'Brien's employers in America and has raised over $93,000.
The fundraiser, set up by Tim Grady, reads: 'It is with heavy hearts that we share the news of the sudden passing of our Vice President of Operations, Damien O'Brien, in a tragic accident on Sunday, July 6.
'Damien was an extraordinary man, a leader, and a beloved member of our T.M. Grady Builder family, known for his dedication, warmth, wisdom, and professionalism.
'His contributions to our projects and his genuine care for our clients left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him.
'Your donation will go to Damien's family to help with monthly bills & any unexpected expenses.
'We can make a difference in Damien's family's life by coming together to support them during this challenging time.'
Shane Connolly, from Cars Sales LTD, also paid tribute to Mr O'Brien who previously worked at the Donegal car dealership.
'We are devastated of the tragic passing of Damien and heartbroken for Michelle, Oscar, Luke, the O'Brien and O' Connor Families,' he said.
'Damien worked at Shane Connolly Car Sales before he headed off to America in 2013.
'He helped us out so much at the start setting up the business.
'Damien could turn his hand to anything and worked plenty of late nights. He was one of a kind.'
The United States Gaelic Athletic Association (USGAA) is the administrative body for Gaelic football and hurling in the United States.
In a tribute posted online, the body said: 'With heavy hearts, USGAA is extremely saddened to inform you of the tragic passing of LA Geese member, Damien O'Brien.
'Damien was hit and killed by a driver yesterday and he leaves behind his wife, Michelle, and his two young sons, Oscar and Luke, along with baby boy #3 due in September.
'The company that Damien worked for has set up a GoFundMe to help alleviate the financial stress his sudden passing has caused his family.
'Please help support them with current and future bills by kindly donating what you can to his heartbroken family.'
A statement from the Huntington Beach Police Department said, 'On Sunday, July 6, 2025, at approximately 12:43 a.m., the Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) responded to a traffic collision at the intersection of Atlanta Ave and Delaware St involving a black Audi RS5 and a pedestrian.
'Upon arrival, officers located the driver of the Audi, a 21-year-old male from Orange, uninjured.
'The pedestrian, a 35-year old male from Huntington Beach, was found unconscious in the roadway.
'Paramedics were called to the scene however the pedestrian was later pronounced deceased.
'Impairment is suspected with the driver of the Audi RS5.
'He was taken into custody at the scene without incident.
'Based on the preliminary investigation, the Audi was traveling eastbound on Atlanta Ave and struck the pedestrian east of the intersection of Delaware St.'
The GoFundMe page can be found here.