Dessie O’Kelly dies in fatal Aghavilla, Co Leitrim tractor crash

Dessie O’Kelly dies in fatal Aghavilla, Co Leitrim tractor crash

Fatal Aghavilla, Co Leitrim tractor crash death of Dessie O’Kelly – Obituary

Dessie O’Kelly, a teenager from County Leitrim, lost his life in a single-vehicle tractor crash on the R204 at Aghavilla, Carrigallen, around 3:10 p.m. on Tuesday. Gardaí confirmed that the young man, who was a passenger in the vehicle, died at the scene.

Dessie, described as outgoing and kind-hearted, had recently completed his studies at Carraigallen Vocational School and was pursuing an agricultural qualification at Ballyhaise Agricultural College. His sudden death has deeply shaken the local community.

Fr John McMahon, the parish priest, paid tribute to Dessie on local radio, saying he was a “great young fellow” and expressing heartfelt condolences to his family. Leitrim County Council’s Cathaoirleach Paddy O’Rourke shared that the community is in a state of disbelief and mourning.

The driver of the tractor, also in his late teens, was taken to Cavan General Hospital with injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

The Garda Forensic Collision Investigation Unit conducted a technical examination at the scene, and the road was temporarily closed.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and ask anyone who may have been in the area between 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. to come forward, especially if they have dashcam or phone footage that could assist in the investigation.