'Tragedy beyond belief': Charity helping to bring Limerick man home after death in Canada

A LIMERICK city  man dying in a road traffic collision in Canada last week is “a tragedy beyond belief” said his relative, Deputy Michael Healy-Rae.

John Lyne, aged 38, from Woodlawn Park, Ballysimon. died in a two-vehicle collision in Canada, which claimed the lives of two people. The only son of Pat and Theresa Lyne is deeply missed by his parents, sister Claire, extended family and wide circle of friends on both sides of the Atlantic.

Countless tributes have been paid to John, affectionately known as Johnny, who has been described as a “genuinely nice guy who was full of adventure”.

“What a guy. A huge loss. I can't believe it. A gent, a gifted player and great fella to be around,” reads one message of condolence which recalls John lining out with Fairview Rangers.

A spokesperson for the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP) told the Limerick Leader that officers attended the scene of the collision on Tuesday, April 30 at around 6pm.

Mr Lyne was travelling on Highway 22 in the Municipal District of Ranchland, which is in southwest Alberta. Police said road and weather conditions at the time may have been a factor amid reports of an unexpected downpour of snow.

“The driver of the southbound vehicle, a 38-year-old male resident of Calgary, was declared deceased at the scene. Two occupants of the northbound vehicle were transported to a Calgary hospital in serious condition. 

“The female passenger, a 72-year-old resident of Calgary, succumbed to her injuries in hospital. The male driver was seriously injured,” said the RCMP spokesperson, who expressed their condolences to the family and friends of both deceased and the injured male.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said it is aware of the case and is providing consular assistance. 

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No funeral details have been announced to date as the Lyne family arrange for the repatriation of their beloved son.

Mr Healy-Rae, whoe wife Eileen is a sister of Pat Lyne, said he has known John since he was a child.

"He was very hard-working, very determined young man and had done great things abroad in his line of work. He was highly regarded and had an army of friends on both sides of the Atlantic in Canada and in Ireland,” said Mr Healy-Rae.

The Kerry TD said it is a “tragedy beyond belief”. 

“Everybody is just trying to rally around the family and help them through these dark days,” said Mr Healy-Rae.

John was a skilled carpenter who had moved to Canada over 10 years ago after travelling the world. However, Limerick remained home and he was a frequent visitor to see his beloved family and friends.

In his death notice, the Lyne family wishes to express their deep gratitude for all who are supporting them at this tragic time, especially The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust who are working on bringing John home to his family.

"John's loss has also deeply affected his large network of very close friends both here in Limerick, Canada and all across the world. We also remember his friend's and colleagues in PCL Construction, Sparwood, Canada," reads the death notice.

May he rest in peace.