Irish Liverpool fan dies after being struck by vehicle on highway in Italy

Tue, 17 Sep, 2024 - 21:13

Steven Heaney

An Irish man has died after being struck by a vehicle on a highway in northern Italy.

He has been named locally as Philip Dooley. He was 51.

Mr Dooley, who had been living in Liverpool, was fatally hit in the early hours of Tuesday morning as he attempted to cross the A4 highway close to the Orio al Serio Airport, which is located between Seriate and Bergamo in Lombardy.

According to reports in Italian media he was attempting to reach his accommodation and had managed to cross three lanes of the busy highway before he was struck shortly before 1am.

Liverpool FC issued a statement saying the club is "deeply saddened by the tragic passing" of Mr Dooley.

"Philip was a lifelong Liverpool fan who had travelled to Italy to be at tonight’s Champions League game against AC Milan," the club said.

"Our staff in Milan are working with the local police and consulate, and continue to provide support to other fans impacted by this devastating incident.

"The thoughts and prayers of everyone connected to the club are with Philip’s family, friends and fellow supporters at this extremely difficult time."

Mr Dooley had reportedly arrived in Italy via Manchester only a short time before the accident.

Merseyside Police said they are assisting authorities in Italy and officers have informed his next of kin in Merseyside.

"Two men who witnessed the incident are also assisting the investigation being carried out by Italian police," a police statement said.

A spokesperson told the Irish Examiner that the Department of Foreign Affairs is aware of the case and stands ready to provide consular assistance.

"As with all consular cases, the department does not comment on the detail of individual cases," the spokesperson said.

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