Barry Breslin: GoFundMe page quickly raises second biggest fundraising total in Australia this year

A GoFundMe page set up for the for the family of a young Irishman tragically killed in a workplace incident in Perth last week has quickly raised the second biggest fundraising total in Australia this year.

Barry Breslin, who was originally from County Donegal in Ireland, was killed after he was hit by the arm of an excavator while working on the Mitchell Freeway about 11.50am on Thursday.

It is believed the 35-year-old was among a group of workers who were lifting concrete panels as part of smart freeway works.

Mr Breslin — who was known as “Duke” to his friends — suffered serious head injuries before he was taken to Royal Perth Hospital by paramedics. He died a short time later.

Hundreds of tributes have since flowed on social media in the wake of the father of one’s tragic death.

A GoFundMe page set up for Mr Breslin’s family several days ago has so far raised a staggering $687,000 plus.

The funds raised are the second biggest seen this year by GoFundMe, surpassed only by a fund set up for Bondi stabbing victim Ash Goode.

In recent days Mr Breslin has been described as a loyal and lovable man who always had a smile on his face.

“Duke was one in a million. He was a family man at heart and a loyal friend to many around him, he will be sadly missed but not forgotten,” the GoFundMe page reads.

“Thank you all for taking the time to read this and for any donation little or big to help this family out.”

Following the tragedy, Mr Breslin’s Gaelic club in Kilcar in County Donegal said the community had been rocked by his passing.

“It was a great shock to us all when the news reached us this morning of the untimely passing of Barry in Australia,” the club’s page CLG Cill Chartha wrote.

“Barry played underage for the club for many years and is fondly remembered by the players and all who were involved at the time and to his mother Mary, a tireless volunteer and supporter of our club over the years, our hearts go out to you and your family and we pass on our prayers to you all at this sad time.”

WorkSafe has launched an investigation into last week’s incident which commissioner Sally North described as a “tragedy”.