A CYCLIST who died following a horror collision involving a cement mixer in Dublin city centre yesterday has been named locally as Johnny Santos.
The 27-year-old Brazilian man was cycling to a language school when the crash occurred junction of Middle Abbey Street and O’Connell Street in Dublin 1.
The São Vicente, São Paulo native was tragically pronounced dead at the scene of the crash that occurred shortly after 1pm yesterday.
Abbey Street remained sealed off for several hours yesterday as Garda Forensic Collision Investigators conducted a technical examination of the scene.
Johnny’s sister Isabela Xavier took to social media to confirm the tragic passing of her brother saying: “My heart is breaking.”
In the emotional tribute she wrote: “Thank you for everything. For being who you were, and for being the best uncle my daughter could have asked for. My heart is breaking. I’ll love you from here to eternity. I’m speechless.”
The grieving sister revealed Johnny had moved to Ireland to “chase his dream” less than a month ago and was on route to his English classes when the crash took place.
Isabela said: “He was over (in Ireland) chasing his dream. I can’t even find the words to speak. He’s gone. It was a tragic accident, a complete tragedy what happened to him.
“He went there to study and to work as well. He was actually on his way to school when it happened.
“He was on an electric bike and hit a cement mixer. Johnny doesn’t have any family over there, just one friend, Vinicius, who’s a childhood friend.
“My mum always told me that a child is prepared to bury a mother, but a mother is never prepared to bury her child.
“I’m at my mum’s now and she is literally distraught. Just imagine your son dying, guys. Twelve hours away – a twelve-hour flight – in another country, so far from her.”
Johnny’s dad Jefferson also took to social media sharing the devastating news of his son’s passing.
He said: “My eldest son, my love, I love you dearly, my guardian angel.”
Johnny’s friend Kaique Santos, who lived with him in Dublin, also posted a tribute on social media.
He said: “When I headed out this morning and you were off to grab some bread, moaning about having to cook lunch, I was teasing you and we were just laughing away.
“I never dreamt that when I got back home, I’d be met by the gardai with that news. Cheers for all advice and chats, and thanks for being there for me.”
Heartbreakingly the victim’s sister also revealed on social media: “And now comes the nightmare: transporting the body back here, bringing him home.”
In her emotional tribute post Isabela Xavier revealed the process is “so incredibly expensive”.
She added: “My dad is trying to handle things, my mum is distraught, and the family is all with her.
“I don’t know what to do. I just want to see my brother, I want to say my last goodbyes.”
Johnny’s local community is now coming together in an effort to cover the cost of his repatriation.
A Brazilian online crowdfunding page has been set up to “help his family return Johnny’s remains back to his home country, with over R$ 14,110.31 (€2,254.01) already raised.
Brazilian Instagram page Yournameyourfrom shared the devastating news with the community, asking for their help in “sending John back home”.
They wrote: “I didn’t know Johnny myself, but everyone out (living abroad) is in the same boat: we left Brazil looking for a fresh start or new opportunities in Europe.
“Seeing a young lad’s life cut short like this is heartbreaking.”
And the Brazilian community took to the comments section to share their condolences.
One mourner said: “Love you, mate. I’m completely lost here without you. Your family is in pieces back home in Brazil.
“We’re praying for you wherever you are now. We’ll always love you.”
Someone else added: “You were the most genuine soul out there. We’re all going to miss you so much.
“Can’t believe it, mate. I keep wishing it was all a prank and you’d give me a ring…but sadly this nightmare is real. You’ll never be forgotten.”
