John O'Brien named by PSNI as pedestrian who tragically died after being struck by lorry in Albert Basin area of Newry
Police have named a man who tragically died following a single vehicle road traffic collision in Newry on Wednesday as 67-year-old John O’Brien.
Officers have urged the public not to share a “distressing image” of the incident which they said has been circulating.
Inspector Cherith Adair warned the act of sharing the image may be committing an offence.
She said: “Shortly after 3.30pm, we received a report of a male pedestrian having been struck by a lorry in the Albert Basin area of the city.
“Our officers attended alongside emergency service partners, however the man was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Our inquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 901 08/10/25.
“Police are aware of a distressing image being circulated from the scene of this road fatality. We request the sharing of this graphic scene image to cease immediately out of consideration for the family impacted.
“Persons found to be sharing the image may be committing the offence of improper use of a public electronic communications network. If anyone has information about the originator, or this image being disseminated, please contact police on 101.”
Newry Salvation Army described him as “our lovely Scottish John” and said he was of “a much-loved member” of their family. It added: “John was a true gentleman, a kind and wonderful soul who touched the hearts of everyone around him.”