Incredible donation of $700,000 after a traditional father died in a tragic workplace accident

Relatives, community members and strangers around the world have come together to raise an incredible $714,000 for the heartbroken family of a tradesman who died in a horrific workplace incident in Western Australia last week.

Barry “Duke” Breslin, a 35-year-old from Ireland, died on Thursday after suffering a serious head injury while working at a construction site in north Perth. He left behind his fiancée Melissa and their “beautiful” baby son Tommy.

Following the tragedy, his devastated partner and family “with great sadness” launched a fundraising campaign to ease the sudden “financial burden” they now face.

In just four days, the GoFundMe has raised $714,000 – nearly triple its goal of $250,000. A spokesperson for GoFundMe said the outpouring of support made it Australia’s second-largest fundraiser this year.

There are tributes to the traditional father killed on site

Mr Breslin, who moved to Perth in 2011, had “touched the hearts of many” over the years, his family said.

“He was always smiling, whether it was greasing the door handles of an excavator, handing out yogurt as sunscreen, or celebrating with his family and friends,” they wrote at the fundraiser.

“Duke was one in a million. He was a family man at heart and a loyal friend to many around him. We will miss him dearly, but not forget him. Thank you to everyone who took the time to read this and for any donation, big or small, to help this family.”

Mr Breslin’s Gaelic football club also sent its condolences to his loved ones in an emotional tribute on Facebook.

“It came as a huge shock to all of us when news of Barry’s untimely death in Australia reached us this morning,” the post reads. “Barry played for the club at an underage level for many years and is fondly remembered by the players and everyone involved at the time.

“And to his mother Mary, a tireless volunteer and supporter of our club over the years, our thoughts are with you and your family and we extend our prayers to all of you at this sad time.”

Investigation into tragic incident has “just begun”

A WorkSafe spokesperson said Mr Breslin was “hit by a dropped piece of equipment”, with WorkSafe officer Sally North offering her condolences to the 35-year-old’s family, according to 7News.

The WA branch of the CFMEU confirmed the incident was the tenth fatality at a construction site across the state this year alone. The union said its investigation had “just begun.”

With NCA NewsWire

Do you have a story tip? E-mail: [email protected].

You can also continue to follow us Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter And YouTube.