A fundraising campaign set up to support the family of Danielle O'Keane, a 37-year-old mother who suffered a catastrophic brain injury in a Dublin collision, has raised more than €26,000. The fund, launched to help with expenses, has received overwhelming support from across the country and beyond.
What happened on North Wall Quay
Danielle, from Newry, Co. Armagh, was travelling in a rickshaw on North Wall Quay in Dublin at around 11pm on Saturday, September 26, when the vehicle hit a curb and toppled over. She was rushed to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, where she remains in intensive care on a ventilator.
Earlier that evening, Danielle had attended a Westlife reunion concert at the 3Arena with friends. The rickshaw journey was intended to be a short trip to meet her husband, David, and friends in the city centre.
Family's heartbreaking wait
Danielle's brother-in-law, Derek, told the Irish Mirror that doctors have informed the family that Danielle sustained a life-ending brain injury. They are now waiting for a brainstem test to confirm the diagnosis, after which life support will be switched off.
Derek described Danielle as having a "heart of gold" and being "full of life". She was due to travel to Mallorca on October 5 for her first family holiday with her husband and two young sons, aged five and two.
Garda appeal for witnesses
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage from the area between 10:30pm and 11:15pm on the night of the collision. Anyone with information is asked to contact Store Street Garda Station on 01 666 8000 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
The fundraiser has so far collected €26,684 towards its €40,100 goal.
