Barry Breslin: GoFundMe page set up for family of young Irishman killed in workplace incident

More than half a million dollars has been raised so far for the family of Barry Breslin, the young Irishman tragically killed in a workplace incident in Perth last week.

Mr 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.

“He was such a lovable lad may he R.I.P,” one mourner wrote.

“Barry was the nicest fella and always had a smile on his face when we met him in Perth,” wrote another.

Now, a GoFundMe page set up for Mr Breslin’s family has raised more than $550,000.

“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.”

The funds raised will go towards helping Mr Breslin’s family, including his fiancé Melissa.

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”.

CFMEU State Secretary Mick Buchan on Thursday said the 35-year-old’s death was the 10th workplace fatality in WA this year.