TRIBUTES have been paid to the family killed in a collision between a car and an articulated lorry in Co Wexford.
The deceased have been named as Doug Alexander and his wife Limerick-native Lily Ryan-Alexander, both 75, and their sons musician Doug Alexander Jnr, 52, and younger brother Steven Alexander, 49, a police officer.
The family had returned to Ireland from Oaklawn, Illinois to attend the funeral of Ms Ryan-Alexander's sister Winnie Keevey, who was buried in Cushinstown Co Wexford earlier today.
The Alexanders were on their way to Ms Keevey's wake from Shannon Airport in convoy with another car on the N25 at Begerin Hill.
All four were pronounced dead at the scene of the collision between the rented car and an articulated lorry on the main New Ross to Wexford road at around 6.30pm yesterday evening.
While an investigation into the crash is still ongoing, it's understood that the driver of the rental vehicle – believed to have been one of the two sons – attempted to make a U-turn before colliding with the lorry.
The scene of the crash on the N25 in Co Wexford. (Picture: RTÉ)On Facebook, Steven Alexander's partner Susan Schulze paid tribute to the father of two.
“I can never express the happiness Steve gave me. He showed me true love. I am so blessed that to be a part of his life.
"I love you Steve and I will love you forever and a day," she said.
Lieutenant Anthony Columbus also paid tribute to the Bolingbrook Police officer, where he had served for 17 years.
"Steve was a decorated Officer who had received numerous department commendations. Steve received the Life Saving Award in 2013, received the departments Top Gun Award and was nominated as Police Officer of the Year in 2014 and 2015.
The four family members were pronounced dead at the scene. (Picture: RTÉ)"Steve devoted his time to the community and taught self-defence classes and self-confidence skills to women and girl scouts at the Bolingbrook Park District. Steve was a member of “Beat the Heat” a non-profit organisation which focused on community outreach to improve driver safety and police community relations," Lieutenant Columbus said.
Director Ken Teppel stated: “Steve was an exemplary officer who took great pride in his law enforcement career and who devoted himself to protecting and serving the citizens of Bolingbrook.
"Steve will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him and we will forever keep the Alexander family in our thoughts and our prayers.”
On Facebook, friends also paid tribute to musician and guitarist Doug Alexander Jnr.
One friend wrote: "I am at a great loss tonight... I've lost my friend his parents and his brother.
"This gentle soul was one of my best friends. We had many laughs and great times.
"This is so sudden a real shock to everyone. Rest in peace Dougie. You are in my heart forever. You have always been my little brother."
