Family of rugby player killed in road incident in Texas say he 'departed life too young'

Sarah Slater

The family of rugby player John Kirby, who was killed in a road incident in Texas, has said he has “departed life too young”.

John Kirby, a business and marketing graduate, who was in his early 20s and from Sandymount, Dublin 4, was working in the US on a J1 visa for the past several months.

Mr Kirby was found lying on a roadway in Austin, Texas, with serious head injuries in the early hours of last Saturday morning. It was initially believed he had been involved in a road incident involving a truck.

When police officers arrived on the scene, they located “an individual laying in the roadway."

An Austin Police spokesperson added: “The individual, later identified as John Kirby, was transported to a local hospital to be treated for his injuries. Unfortunately, Mr.Kirby succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased on Thursday, October 16th at 3:54 am."

A preliminary investigation shows that Mr Kirby was riding a scooter at the time of the incident. Officers interviewed witnesses, and “were not able to find anyone who had seen a collision.”

“At this time, the investigation into the circumstances surrounding Mr. Kirby’s death remains open and active,” the spokesperson outlined.

Mr Kirby died surrounded by family and friends, at the Dell Seton Medical Center, Austin, Texas on October 16th.

Details on Rip.ie add that Mr Kirby is deeply missed by his mother Brenda, father Mike, brother Mike and girlfriend Maybelle.

He is also mourned by his grandmother, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends in both Ireland and the US.

Funeral arrangements are yet to be published.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said they are “aware of the case and are providing consular assistance. The Department does not comment on the details of individual cases”.

The director of Blackrock College RFC, Michael Hearty, added his condolences.

Mr Hearty said that Mr Kirby was a “much-loved member” of the Blackrock College RFC family, and his loss has been felt “profoundly” across the club and all teams.

“John Kirby will be remembered fondly for his smile, his laughter, and his spirit, which will forever remain a part of our club,” added Mr Hearty.