Fundraising drive to help family after violent death
Jason Corbett, a father of two from Colbert Park in Janesboro, Co Limerick, died at his home in North Carolina on Sunday in what police say was a “domestic disturbance”.
He was found with head injuries after police were called to his home at Panther Creek, Wallburg.
Members of his family have travelled to the US to organise the repatriation of his body and bring home his two Limerick-born children, Sarah, 8, and Jack, 7.
Mr Corbett, aged 39, moved to the US four years ago after his wife Mags died in 2006 from an asthma attack.
He remarried a woman from Knoxville, Tennessee, and was promoted to a position of plant manager for a packaging company in Lexington.
The ‘Jason’s Journey’ fund has been launched by family friend Mary Fitzpatrick and two friends, Simone Dillon and Catherine Bourke.
Ms Fitzpatrick said she knew the kind of pain the Corbett family was now having to bear. “My eldest son Mike died in an unprovoked attack in 1999 when he was 19 and a man is now in jail,” she said.
“Mike started work when he was 15 with a car-valeting company and never missed a day’s work. The day he was attacked he had been at work and went out to socialise. He was on his way home when he was attacked and died.
“I know the kind of pain the Corbett family are now suffering.”
Ms Fitzpatrick has been in daily contact with Mr Corbett’s sister Tracey Lynch, who has travelled to the US with two other family members.
Ms Fitzpatrick said: “I felt I had to do something and I do not have the financial resources myself. The family have already had to buy nine flight tickets as it takes three separate flights to get from Shannon to North Carolina.
“Our fund has been approved by Chief Supt David Sheahan. Already there are big legal fees mounting up.”
Ms Fitzpatrick said: “After Mags died in 2006, Jason made his sister Tracey Lynch a legal guardian to his children, in case anything every happened him. The Corbetts are a fine and very respected family, and the pictures of Jason’s house show what a great provider he was for his children.”
Ms Lynch, who manages the Tait House resource centre in Southill, was in France when she was told of the tragic death of her brother.
In an online tribute, she wrote: “Jason was the most caring, loving brother and friend. We are devastated. You may be miles and miles away for now, but this is what I need to say, so J when you’re feeling lonely lying in the dark, always know I’ve got you back home. Because not only are you my brother, you’re my best friend.”
Mr Corbett’s elderly parents were being comforted by family and friends at their home in Limerick last night.
Contributions to the ‘Jason’s Journey’ fund can be made to the Permanent TSB branch in Dooradoyle, Limerick. The account number in the name of Mary Fitzpatrick is:
Account No: 1124 0513
IBAN: IE15IPBS99075111240513
Sort Code: 99-07-51
BIC: IPBSIE2D
