Christmas horror for tourist hit by car
Family members of a young Irish man have flown half way around the world to be by his bedside after he was struck by a car in Sydney.
Beoan Jones, from the small village of Maguiresbridge in Northern Ireland, had been in Australia for about three months “finding his feet” when the incident left him suffering critical injuries.
According to NSW Police, the 25-year-old was walking along the Bradfield Highway, about 400m south of the Sydney Harbour Bridge, when he was hit by a car about 8.50pm on Saturday, November 11.
He was taken to the Royal North Shore Hospital in a critical condition.
Sydney resident Barry Carey, who knows Jones’ family, said the car appeared to come “out of nowhere”.
“I’ve spoken to his mother Rose and she is just distraught but just so grateful he is alive,” he wrote on a GoFundMe raising funds for medical expenses.
“To think that her amazing son was embarking on a beautiful journey in life and for that to get cut short is heartbreaking for everyone that knows and loves him.”
Mr Carey said Jones’ “distraught” mother and sister had flown to Australia to be by his side.
Jones’ sister, Neamh Jones, said he remains in hospital with serious injuries but has “pulled through two major surgeries”.
“Beoan has a long journey ahead of him,” she said.
“To date, we want to say thank you for everyone’s thoughts and prayers it really has made a difference.”
Police said the driver, a 47-year-old man, and his passenger were uninjured, while the driver was taken to hospital for mandatory testing.
