Kacper Dudek was carrying out a U-turn after coming across a road accident moments earlier when the storm uprooted a tree – and crushed his car, according to police
A 20-year-old man has tragically been killed after a tree fell on his car while he tried to drive away from the “historic winds” of Storm Éowyn.
Kacper Dudek was carrying out a U-turn in Donegal after coming across a road accident moments earlier when the storm uprooted a tree – and crushed his car, according to police.
Authorities confirmed the identity of the victim, who was born in Poland but raised in Lifford, Donegal, on Saturday morning as an investigation into the fatal road traffic accident continues. The body of the young man has been removed from the scene of the accident at Feddyglass, Raphoe, Donegal to the mortuary in Letterkenny University Hospital, where a post-mortem examination will take place in due course.
According to the Irish Mirror, Dudek learned was on the phone to his father when the tragedy occurred. Sources say Kacper and a pal had been let out early from their night shift job and were driving home in a two-car convoy when the accident happened.
A statement by An Garda Síochána said: “Gardaí in Raphoe continue to investigate the fatal road traffic incident that occurred at Feddyglass, Raphoe, Donegal on Friday morning 24th January 2025 which resulted in the death of Kacper Dudek (20).
“The body of the deceased man has been removed from the scene to the mortuary in Letterkenny University Hospital where a post mortem examination will take place in due course. The N14 remains closed and local diversions are in place.
“Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are conducting a full examination of the scene this morning. A Family Liaison Officer (FLO) has been assigned to provided support to the family of Mr Dudek (RIP). Investigations ongoing.”
Local Fianna Fail councillor Patrick McGowan said the community was shocked by the death. He said: “We all send our sympathies to the family.” It is believed to be the only fatality in Ireland during the storm that battered the whole country.
It comes as Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorlogist Mark Sidaway said high winds would continue through into Saturday. He added: “While the worst of the winds from Storm Éowyn will ease later on Friday, Scotland will continue to see gusty winds through Saturday as the low pressure clears to the northeast. After a brief calmer spell, another area of low pressure will bring further strong winds and heavy rain through Sunday.
“The strongest winds will be focussed in western parts, while the wettest conditions will likely be across Wales, central and southern England. This low pressure will not be as powerful as Storm Éowyn but it could hamper the recovery efforts of responders in some of the impacted areas from Friday’s storm. Warnings could be updated through the weekend and into next week, so keep up to date with the forecast.”
