Irish community 'rocked to the core' by death of Donegal man Damien O'Brien in California

Damien O'Brien was killed by a suspected drunk driver on Sunday. He was a father of two and a dedicated member of the Wild Geese GAA club. 

Damien O'Brien lined out for Wild Geese GFC in a recent game against LA Cougars. Pic: Wild Geese GFC

A Donegal man killed by a suspected drunk driver in the United States has been described as a "devoted family man". 35-year-old Damien O'Brien died after being struck by a car in Huntington Beach, California on Sunday. A 21-year-old was arrested at the scene of the incident suspected of driving under the influence. 

Damien O'Brien had two sons with his wife Michelle who is also expecting a third in September. Originally from Killygordon in Donegal, he was a dedicated member of the Huntington Beach-based Wild Geese GAA club. 

"Such a heartbreaking tragedy," club chairman Fintan Burke told the Irish Examiner.

"The Wild Geese GAA club and the entire Irish community here in Orange County and Greater Los Angeles area is absolutely rocked to the core with this news.

"Damien was an integral part of our club here in Huntington Beach. Since moving to Orange County 12 years ago, he was deeply involved as both a player and committee member. 

"Just last month, he, his wife Michelle and two beautiful young boys would have celebrated Family Day with us. Damien played as recently as a week ago in our one-point victory over the LA Cougars. 

"A proud Donegal man, he had been riding high in recent weeks with Jimmy winning matches again. He was a true gentleman—always up for the craic, always there when anyone needed anything. 

"But above all, Damien was a devoted family man. He carried himself with a level of integrity that the rest of us could only hope to match. His absence leaves a void that will be felt deeply and forever in this club."

Damien O'Brien worked as vice-president of operations with TM Grady Builders. The company has set up a fundraiser to assist the family.

"Damien was an extraordinary man, a leader, and a beloved member of our TM Grady Builders family, known for his dedication, warmth, wisdom, and professionalism," company president Tim Grady wrote on GoFundMe. "His contributions to our projects and his genuine care for our clients left a lasting impact on all who had the privilege of working with him."

You can donate to the fundraiser here.