LIAM O'Connor has died after he was hit by a silver Peugeot in Newcastle.
The student had just completed his second year of studies at Newcastle University.
Who was Liam O'Connor?
Liam was a rugby player for clubs in Manchester and Stockport.
He also played for his county and as a Sale Sharks academy player.
He was studying for a BSc in mathematics with finance and had been accepted on a year abroad programme in San Jose in the USA.
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How old was Liam O'Connor?
He was sadly just 20 years old when he died.
A statement on the Sale Sharks website said he was "star" and "warrior" for each of these teams.
It said: "Liam epitomised the spirit of Rugby Union and always made his parents and his teammates proud of his achievements.
"Everyone at Sale Sharks is heartbroken and our thoughts turn to Liam’s family, Joan, Mike, Sean, and Kathleen. RIP Liam from all at Sale Sharks."
What was Liam O'Connor's cause of death?
Liam was struck by a car in the early hours of Saturday morning (June 10, 2023) on Great North Road in Jesmond.
Emergency services attended the scene and found he had suffered life-threatening injuries.
He was taken to hospital but later passed away.
An investigation was immediately launched by Northumbria Police to establish the full circumstances around the collision.
Sgt 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."
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It was reported that a silver Peugeot 308 had been travelling northbound near the Forsyth Road junction.
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.
His family have requested privacy at this time.
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.
