“SHE WAS AN ANGEL ON EARTH”  — HEARTBROKEN HUSBAND PAYS EMOTIONAL TRIBUTE TO DANIELLE O’KEANE, 37, AFTER TRAGIC ACCIDENT FOLLOWING WESTLIFE CONCERT

A night that was meant to be filled with music, laughter and precious memories ended in unimaginable heartbreak for a young family.

Danielle O’Keane, a 37-year-old mother of two from Saval, near Newry in Northern Ireland, died on October 1, 2026, after suffering catastrophic injuries in a road accident in Dublin. She had been enjoying a Westlife concert with friends when tragedy struck on the journey back into the city centre.

A joyful evening turned into heartbreak

On Saturday, September 26, Danielle attended Westlife’s concert at Dublin’s 3Arena with three friends. After the show, the group boarded a motorised rickshaw to travel towards the city centre, where they planned to meet their husbands and partners.

During the journey along North Wall Quay, the rickshaw reportedly struck a roadside divider and overturned. Danielle fell from the vehicle and was struck by a passing car.

She was rushed to the Mater Misericordiae University Hospital, where doctors treated her for severe injuries, including a devastating brain injury. Despite medical care, she died five days later.

Another woman travelling in the rickshaw also suffered injuries.

“An angel on earth”

Danielle’s death has left her husband, Dave, their two young sons, Caolán and Cillian, and their wider family facing a loss that words can scarcely describe.

In an emotional tribute at her funeral, Dave described his wife as a beautiful, selfless and deeply kind person whose greatest happiness came from caring for her family.

He recalled the life they had built together, from getting married and buying a home to welcoming their two boys. They had dreamed of sharing many more adventures, holidays and everyday moments together.

The family had been looking forward to a holiday in Mallorca, with their bags reportedly already packed. Instead of making those memories together, Dave and their children are now facing life without her.

Friends and loved ones have also remembered Danielle for her warm smile, generosity and the happiness she brought to those around her.

Westlife’s emotional tribute

The tragedy also touched the band whose concert Danielle had attended.

During a performance in Newcastle, Westlife dedicated their beloved songs “Flying Without Wings” and “You Raise Me Up” to Danielle and others who had lost someone they loved.

Shane Filan dedicated the performance to Danielle, while the band expressed their sympathy for her family. The tribute offered a moment of remembrance for a woman whose evening of music had ended in such devastating circumstances.

Calls for greater road safety

Danielle’s death has also prompted renewed calls for stronger regulation of motorised rickshaws in Dublin.

Politicians and members of the public have raised concerns about passenger safety, licensing and insurance. Her family has spoken about the circumstances surrounding the incident, while Gardaí continue to investigate what happened.

Authorities have appealed to anyone who witnessed the collision or may have dashcam footage from North Wall Quay between approximately 10:30 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. on September 26 to come forward.

A family left with memories and heartbreak

Danielle was remembered at her funeral in County Down, where family, friends and members of the community gathered to say goodbye.

For her husband and two sons, the loss is immeasurable. A night out that was supposed to bring happiness has instead become a painful reminder of how suddenly life can change.

Her story has also sparked a wider conversation about passenger safety and the need to understand exactly how the tragic collision occurred.

May Danielle O’Keane rest in peace. Our thoughts are with her husband, her two little boys and everyone who loved her. 💔