Organiser dies in crash at Down Syndrome charity event

A man has died while participating in an annual fundraiser in Clare for Down Syndrome Ireland.

Aidan Lynam was killed after crashing his motorbike while taking part in Rev-up4DSI.

The father-of-three (44) crashed into a car on the Kilrush Road (N67) outside Kilkee in Co Clare on Sunday morning.

The fundraising event had been his brain-child and was in its 10th year. Mr Lynam had worked for the charity in its head office in Dublin and had helped operate its help line service. He became involved with the charity after the birth of his daughter in 2005, who has Down Syndrome.

The crash happened at about 11.45am on Sunday.

Mr Lynam was airlifted to University Hospital Limerick where he was later pronounced dead. The driver of the car was uninjured.

The stretch of road was closed for a garda forensic examination and gardaí have asked witnesses to contact Kilrush Garda Station on 065- 9080550, the Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any garda station.

In a statement released last night, Down Syndrome Ireland said it was with inexpressible grief that they learned of the death of their dear friend and colleague.

“ Aidan’s untimely death occurred in Clare while participating in our annual motorcycle fundraiser Rev-up4DSI,” a spokeswoman said.

She said Rev-up4DSI had raised over €1.6 million for the charity since it began 10 years ago.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with our dear friend and colleague, his wife Nikki and their three children, Robyn, Jake and Harry and all his loved ones,” she said.

“Aidan was a much loved and valued senior member of our team at Down Syndrome Ireland, committed to his family and his work and all of our hearts are simply broken as we struggle to come to terms with this great loss.”