Promising rugby player Liam O’Connor, 20, dies after being hit by silver Peugeot as driver quizzed
A PROMISING rugby player has died after he was hit by a silver Peugeot.
Liam O’Connor, 20, of Manchester, was hit by the car on Great North Road in Jesmond, Newcastle, shortly after 1.40am on Saturday.
The Peugeot 308 had been travelling northbound when, for reasons yet to be established, it collided with pedestrian Liam.
Emergency services attended the scene and found the Newcastle University student had suffered life-threatening injuries.
He was taken to hospital but later passed away.
The driver of the car remained at the scene and continues to assist with enquiries.
An investigation was immediately launched by Northumbria Police to establish the full circumstances around the collision.
Officers are continuing to appeal for anybody who was in the area at the time to come forward with information which could further assist their investigation.
Sale Sharks, where Liam had been a junior academy player, issued a statement that read: “Liam epitomised the spirit of rugby union, and always made his parents and teammates proud of his achievements.
“Everyone at Sale Sharks is completely heartbroken and our thoughts turn to Liam’s family, Joan, Mike, Sean, and Kathleen. Rest in Peace Liam, from all at Sale Sharks.”
Sergeant Steven Chappell, of Northumbria Police, said: “This is a truly devastating outcome, and our thoughts remain with Liam’s family and loved ones at this very sad time.
“We are committed to getting answers for his family and finding out the full circumstances surrounding this collision, which has tragically resulted in his death.
“Today, I am again asking for the public’s help. While this happened in the early hours, the road is well-used and in a busy location, and we understand there were a number of other vehicles in the area.
“Anybody who believes they witnessed this collision, or who saw either Liam or the silver Peugeot 308 prior to or after the incident, should get in touch with police if they have not already done so.
“We still want to hear from anybody who may have CCTV or dashcam footage which may be of interest to our investigation – so please do check your footage as soon as possible and contact us.”
Anyone with information is asked to contact police using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of our website, or call 101, quoting log number NP-20230610-0103.