By Dionne Meehan
A FUNDRAISER has been launched to support a young family based in Kilmacrennan following a fatal car crash on New Year’s Day.
Keith Higginbotham, originally from Kildare, was the first person to be killed on Irish roads in 2024.
The father of two was involved in a single vehicle crash on the M7 at Curraghfarm, between Kildare Town and Newbridge.
Now Mr Higginbotham’s partner, Letterkenny woman, Lauren Fitzgerald is left facing the grief that comes with tragic loss all while navigating life as a single parent, with another baby on the way later this year. The family made a home for themsleves in Kilmacrennan before Mr Higginbotham’s passing.
Seeing the tragic events unfold, Lauren’s brother Jake Fitzgerald set up a GoFundMe page in a bid to support the family through this hard time as Mr Higginbotham was the main income earner in the home.
With almost €3,500 raised for the family so far, Jake spoke of how so many wanted to help in this “awful” time.
“Lauren tragically lost her partner Keith on New Year’s Day in a car accident. Lauren is now not only facing the grief that comes with such a tragic loss but also has to navigate being a single parent to her nine-year-old daughter, seven-month-old daughter and a new baby due later this year,” he said.
Describing Mr Higginbotham as being a “lovely” person, Jake spoke of how “good” he was with his daughters.
“He was just a good person. He was a good family man,” he said.
With Lauren now left with a “massive hole” in her life, Jake said as a family they would appreciate any help at all, even if it’s not in the form of a donation.
“We would appreciate all thoughts and prayers for Lauren and her girls during this time,” he said.
Receive quality journalism wherever you are, on any device. Keep up to date from the comfort of your own home with a digital subscription.
Any time | Any place | Anywhere
SUBSCRIBE TO CURRENT EDITION TODAY
and get access to our archive editions dating back to 2007(CLICK ON THE TITLE BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE)