Irishman’s body put in van full of rubbish in New York
Kevin Bell, a 26-year-old from Newry who was on a J1 visa, was killed in the early hours of Sunday morning in an apparent hit-and-run incident in the Bronx.
According to the New York Post, the young victim was killed at about 3.30am a few blocks from the Major Deegan Expressway, on East 233rd St, which is located in the heavily Irish area of Woodlawn.
A photograph emerged yesterday of the body being placed in the back of a medical examiner van next to clear bags of recycling as a police officer covered the scene with a white sheet.
It was an image that sparked outrage in the Irish-American community and a spokesperson for the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner confirmed to the Irish Examiner that they were taking the matter “very seriously”.
“We are investigating the incident and have provided documentation to Employee Law. The employee has been suspended without pay pending an investigation.”
The victim was a GAA player and champion Irish dancer who was supposed to have played for the Armagh club in a New York senior championship game against Donegal on Sunday. That match was subsequently postponed.
It is understood that he was out socialising before he ended up at the dangerous stretch of road near Woodlawn Cemetery which is notorious for speeding cars.
According to the Post, Marielly Ramos, 33, who was driving nearby pulled over in an attempt to save the young Irishman.
She told the newspaper: “I’m just so disgusted right now... I don’t understand people.
“I’m the only one who stopped the car to run to him. People were just driving by. And they throw him in a car full of garbage? It’s upsetting. He’s somebody’s child. You wouldn’t even do that to an animal.
“I put on my hazards and pull over and start running toward him and saying, ‘Hey! Hey!’ In a matter of seconds, he was hit... It was a gray sedan. By the time I got there, there was blood dripping down the side of his face.
“Whoever ran over him probably didn’t see him.’’
Dominic Bradley MLA, an SDLP Assembly member for Newry and Armagh, told the BBC: “Kevin’s parents, brothers, sisters, family circle and friends are devastated and heartbroken at the news of his death in a hit-and-run incident in New York.
“Kevin was an exceptional young man who brought joy and happiness to his family and to all who knew him. He had a great sense of fun and it was a pleasure to be in his company as anyone who knew him will testify.
“He was well known as a superb Irish dancer who along with family members represented the St. Moninna GFC, Kileavy, for many years in the Scór competitions.
“Obviously his family are in shock at the sad news which has reached them from America but in their bereavement they are finding great comfort in the response and support of their family, friends and of the local community.”
Mr Bradley also offered his condolences to the Bell family.
The body will be accompanied back to Ireland today by a relative.
