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Killeavy man Kevin Bell has tragically lost his life in what appears to be a hit and run incident in the early hours of Sunday morning in the Woodlawn area of New York City.
Kevin, 26 was a very popular young man who had worked at William Bairds Butchers in Canal Street before leaving for New York in August past. A past pupil of Cloughogue Primary School and Abbey Grammar School, Kevin was very involved in local GAA, and the musical society. The news of his tragic death has shocked the entire Newry & Mourne area.
Following Kevin’s tragic death a number of fundraising initiatives have been arranged to help repatriate his body home from the USA,
These include a Quiz in the Canal Court Hotel tomorrow Tuesday 18th June at 9pm. There will also be a 5km walk and 5km/10km run at Greenbank Industrial Estate in Newry on Thursday 20th June with registration from 6pm at the Shamrocks Clubrooms. The 5km walk will start at 7pm with the 5km/10km runs starting at 7.30pm.
This event will not be chipped and it is not a race so it is suitable for all abilities. It is £10 to enter with additional donations accepted and sponsorship opportunities. Sponsor cards are available with all of the details available on Facebook. All of the money raised from the events will go towards Kevin’s repatriation. Many sponsors and volunteers have already pledged their support and sincere thanks is due all those involved.
Kevin was a much loved participant in the local sporting scene and it is hoped that large crowds will turn out to support this event.
There is also an account set up specifically in Newry Credit Union where members and non-members can make a donation towards the Fund.
ACCOUNT DETAILS
B/C Code: BOFIGB2B
IBAN: GB98BOFI 90233884078816
Newry Credit Union.
Sort code 902338
Account no 84078816, ref KBRF0613
Close friend Patricia Heaney, of Heaney Keenan Funeral Home was due to fly out and visit Kevin at the end of the month. "I had been texting Kevin in the last few weeks, planning our excursions and nights out, he always looked forward to having visitors from home."
"Kevin was a larger than life character, and although it is cliché he was the life and soul of every party. Everyone knew and loved him, and those who didn't know him, knew of him."
Preparations are under way in order for his remains to be repatriated to his home town, hopefully within the coming week. The family have asked for privacy at this difficult and distressful time, funeral arrangements will be announced late in the week. They are overwhelmed already with the efforts of friends and neighbours and the out pouring of support.
Kevin is survived by his mother Eithne, father Collie, his twin Brendan, brothers Sean, Eamon and Conor, sisters Ciara and Maeve, brother-in-law Paul, his Grandparents Arthur and Anne Morgan and grandmother Kathleen Bell.
Details of the Repatriation Run are available on Facebook events- Repatriation Run or by contacting Paddy Duffy on Paddy.duffy@newryandmourne.gov.uk or 07714855290, Nicola McCambley on Nicolamccamley@outlook.com or 07714163541, Eddy Curtis on Eddy.curtis@newryandmourne.gov.uk or 07801676554, Yasmin Mackin on yasminmackin@live.co.uk or 07927933548 or Deborah Loughran at debs238@hotmail.com.
