Tragic Death of Anthony James Atkins Draws Heartfelt Tributes
Heartwarming tributes are pouring in for Anthony James Atkins, 36, who tragically lost his life after being struck by a car while lying in the roadway near Crossmaglen, Co Armagh, on Friday night. Known affectionately as ‘Cookie,’ Anthony was a beloved member of his community, and his passing has left a profound impact on those who knew him.
A Life Remembered
Originally hailing from Birmingham, England, Anthony had made a home for himself in the Crossmaglen area over the past decade, where he was known for his caring nature, particularly in spending time with and helping his uncle. His cousin, Laura Davis, has since set up a GoFundMe page to aid in repatriating his body to Birmingham, where he can be laid to rest among friends and family.
“We need to get his body home to Birmingham to his family and friends so he can be buried like he deserves!” Laura posted. “Any donations welcome; let’s get Cookie home and buried like he deserves. R.I.P. Cookie.” To date, the generous response has resulted in over £1,000 raised, amounting to €1,188.
The Incident
Authorities from the Police Service of Northern Ireland are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding Anthony’s tragic death. According to a post-mortem examination, he was lying in the roadway shortly after midnight when the incident occurred. The driver involved remained at the scene and is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
Detective Inspector Michael Winters expressed his condolences, stating, “I would firstly like to offer my condolences to Anthony’s family and friends at this terrible time. In order to complete a full investigation on their behalf, I would continue to appeal for anyone who was traveling on the Cullaville Road on Friday night/early Saturday morning around the time of the collision to come forward, especially if they have dash-cam footage or any information regarding Anthony’s movements that evening.”
A Community in Mourning
Local charity Something More For You has also expressed their sorrow over the loss of Anthony, highlighting the impact he had within the community hub. "We were shocked and saddened to receive the news of his death. The last thing we did for him was to sing ‘Happy Birthday’ on his 36th birthday and give him a present," the charity posted on social media. “He left with love as he was valued and wanted."
How to Help
Supporters wishing to contribute to Anthony’s repatriation can do so through the GoFundMe page set up by his cousin. The funds raised will assist the family in ensuring Anthony receives a proper burial, fulfilling a heartfelt wish from his loved ones.
A Call for Community Action
The tragic nature of Anthony’s death has raised questions about road safety and emergency response in the Crossmaglen area. As the community grapples with this loss, there is a pressing need for dialogue on improving safety measures for pedestrians and ensuring that such fatalities are prevented in the future.
- Contact Information: Anyone with information related to the incident is encouraged to reach out to the Collision Investigation Unit by calling 101 and quoting reference 2078 01/11/24.
Remembering Anthony’s Impact
Anthony James Atkins will be remembered not only for his warmth and kindness but also for the profound impact he had on the lives of those around him. Friends, family, and the entire community are coming together to honor his memory and to provide comfort to his grieving loved ones during this difficult time.
Share Your Memories
As the community reflects on the life of ‘Cookie,’ readers are encouraged to share their thoughts and memories in the comments section below. Let us come together to celebrate the life of Anthony and support his family in this time of need.
For more information on local news, road safety measures, and community updates, visit YourWebsite.com. And for trusted sources on traffic regulations, check out the Department for Transport.
Feel free to comment below, share your stories, and honor the memory of a beloved friend and family member.
