Tributes have been paid to a student and young rugby player who has died after being hit by a car. Liam O’Connor was a pedestrian when he was struck by a silver Peugeot 308 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, where he had recently completed his second year at Newcastle University.
The 20-year-old, from Manchester, was rushed to hospital with life-threatening injuries in the early hours of Saturday morning (June 10) but later died. Liam had been part of the developing player programme and junior academy at Sale Sharks rugby club.
He had also played rugby for St Ambrose School, Didsbury Toc H and Heaton Moor, where he won player of the season on multiple occasions. Liam also represented Lancashire from under-13s to under-18s and played for the Newcastle Medics during his studies.
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In a statement announcing Liam's death 'with great sadness', Sale Sharks recalled Liam's 'excellent rugby career'. The club said: "Every one of those teams and its players had a true star and warrior in their team.
Liam epitomised the spirit of rugby union, and always made his parents and team mates 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."
Dave Gordon, team manager at Heaton Moor rugby club, described Liam as 'the most complete rugby player, a match winner, a warrior, the best team mate and best friend we could ever have wished for'. He added: "Liam enriched the Heaton Moor team, often getting us winning results with his brilliant rugby skills and athleticism.
"He always played rugby with a smile on his face and always supported his teammates and the coaches on the team. He was a great player on and off the pitch."
Officers were called out to Great North Road, in the Jesmond area of Newcastle, shortly after 1.40am on Saturday following reports of a collision involving a car and a pedestrian. It was reported that a silver Peugeot 308 had been travelling northbound when, for reasons yet to be established, it had collided with Liam.
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. 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 would ask that their privacy is respected as they attempt to come to terms with what has happened. 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."
Anyone with information, CCTV or dashcam footage from the incident is asked to contact Northumbria Police using the ‘Tell Us Something’ page of the force's website, or call 101, quoting log number NP-20230610-0103.
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