Westlife paid an emotional tribute to Danielle O'Keane, a fan who died following a rickshaw crash after one of their Dublin shows, dedicating 'You Raise Me Up' in her memory during a concert in Newcastle.
Tribute at Newcastle concert
During their performance at the Utilita Arena on Saturday night, October 3, the band dedicated the song to Danielle, creating a poignant moment for fans. Singer Shane Filan said: “This song is sung tonight to everybody who has lost somebody they love and for Danielle. We are going to celebrate them all up here, right now,” as drones with red lights shone above the stage.
The tribute, shared on social media by Danielle's husband, drew an outpouring of sympathy from fans, with one message reading: “My deepest condolences go to Danielle’s husband, children, family and friends. My thoughts are with you during this incredibly difficult time. Rest in peace Danielle.”
Details of the crash
Danielle, aged 37, from Saval in Newry, Co Down, sustained a “life ending brain injury” after a crash on North Wall Quay, Dublin, at around 11pm on Saturday, September 26. She was rushed to Mater Misericordiae University Hospital and remained in ICU on a ventilator. She passed away from her injuries on Thursday, October 1.
On the night of the crash, Danielle was heading to Dublin city centre with friends after seeing Westlife at the 3Arena when the rickshaw she was travelling in hit a curb.
Family tributes
Her husband, Dave O'Keane, posted a single broken heart on social media on Friday and shared a funeral notice describing Danielle as the “much loved wife of Dave and dear mother of Caolán and Cillian.” The notice also remembered her as a “beloved daughter of Michael and Pauline, and dear sister of Barry and her twin Sean.”
Speaking on Newstalk while Danielle was still in hospital, her sister-in-law Aisling O'Kane described her as “loving” and “selfless,” adding that Danielle had been at the gig with three friends and “they had a great time.” She said: “One of the last messages I had from Danielle was a picture of her suitcases packed for the holiday we were due to go on next week. She was the most organised, loving, selfless person. Her life was about her kids and her husband.”
Funeral arrangements will be announced later.
