As Storm Isha unleashed its fury across Ireland and the UK, claiming lives and wreaking havoc, the first reported victim emerged in the tragic story of Jimmy Rowe, an Irish father-of-five.
The devastating incident occurred when his vehicle skidded off a flooded road on the N17 at Lisduff in Claremorris, County Mayo.
This heartbreaking event unfolded on a day marked by life-threatening gusts, reaching 90mph, causing widespread destruction, power outages, and treacherous weather conditions.
Fatal Journey Amidst High Winds:
Jimmy Rowe, in his 40s, had just dropped off his daughter and was reportedly en route to the town of Tuam when the fatal accident occurred.
Despite the immediate response of emergency services, his life could not be saved.
The high winds associated with Storm Isha contributed to the loss of control over his vehicle, resulting in the tragic outcome.
Family’s Heartbreak and Tributes:
Jimmy Rowe’s untimely death left his family shattered, as his brother Albie Rowe shared the heartbreaking news on social media.
Expressing the profound loss, Albie urged people to cherish moments with their loved ones, emphasizing the unpredictability of life.
Tributes poured in, describing Jimmy as the best, especially adored by children for his warm and caring nature.
Official Statement and Investigation:
An Garda Siochana, Ireland’s police force, released a statement confirming the fatal crash and the subsequent closure of the N17 at Lisduff.
The forensic collision investigators were called to the scene, highlighting the severity of the incident.
Authorities appealed for witnesses and requested any available camera footage, including dash-cam recordings, to aid in the investigation.
Storm Isha’s Toll:
Jimmy Rowe’s tragic death stands among at least five confirmed casualties attributed to Storm Isha in the UK and Ireland.
The storm’s impact led to fatalities, including an 84-year-old man in Falkirk, a man in Londonderry involved in a crash with a fallen tree, a man in Bradford who fell into a road hole, and a woman in County Louth killed in an incident with a fallen tree.
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