Eoghan Byrne, 24, was killed late Sunday night while walking near West 4th Avenue and Arbutus Street in Vancouver. The driver, who fled the scene, was later arrested by police.
Article content
The victim of a fatal hit-and-run in Vancouver’s Kitsilano neighborhood has been identified as an Irish man.
Article content
Eoghan Byrne was identified by irishnewsmedia as the 24-year-old killed late Sunday night while walking near his home.
He was hit by a vehicle that police allege was speeding near West 4th Avenue and Arbutus Street.
Byrne was originally from Skerries, a coastal town near Dublin. He was an “adored son” and left behind his parents of him, two siblings, many relatives and a wide circle of friends, according to an obituary posted online on Wednesday.
The obituary included a photo of a smiling Byrne at the airport.
Byrne worked as a manufacturing technologist at Vancouver biotech company Stemcell Technologies.
In a statement, the company confirmed Byrne joined Stemcell in April.
“Those of us who were fortunate enough to work alongside Eoghan quickly grew close to him during his short time with our company and got to know an exceptionally kind soul who was dedicated to his work and colleagues,” it said.
Article content
“All of us are deeply saddened by Eoghan’s sudden and unexpected passing, and our hearts are with his family during this extremely difficult time.”
On Wednesday, a memorial near the crash scene has grown to include several bouquets and handwritten notes, including one that described Byrne as “a son, a brother, a friend, and an amazing person.
“We’ll miss you,” it said simply.
The driver of the vehicle that hit Byrne fled the scene, but several bystanders stayed behind to try to help him. He died at the scene.
Vancouver police said a suspected driver, a 25-year-old, was arrested at his home. A 63-year-old family member who may have acted as an accomplice was also arrested, said police. Charges have not been laid. The investigation continues.
More news, fewer ads: Our in-depth journalism is possible thanks to the support of our subscribers. For just $3.50 per week, you can get unlimited, ad-lite access to The Vancouver Sun, The Province, National Post and 13 other Canadian news sites. Support us by subscribing today: The Vancouver Sun | The Province.