President Anne O'Sullivan and members of the Castlebar Soroptimist International
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30 Sept 2025
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30 Sept 2025
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Bruno Smits who died in a motorcycle accident on Tuesday, June 17
A GO Fund me page set up to help repatriate the body of a Latvian man who died in a road traffic accident in south Mayo has raised over €10,000 in less than 24 hours.
Father of one, Bruno Smits who was aged in his 40s was killed in a motorcycle accident along the Claremorris Road in Ballinrobe at approximately 7.40pm on Tuesday, June 17. Mr Smits was pronounced dead at the scene before his body was brought to Mayo University Hospital for a post mortem.
A Latvian national, Mr Smits is survived by his wife Sandra and has a young daughter Kristiana and his friends have set up a fundraising page to repatriate his body back to his native country.
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“His sudden passing has left a deep void in the hearts of his loving wife, Sandra, and their beautiful daughter, Kristiana,” stated his friend Aleksandrs Fetisovs, who set up the Go Fund Me page.
The page was set up on Wednesday evening and by Thursday afternoon, €10,330 of the €18,000 has been raised.
Mr Fetisovs added: “Bruno was a kind, caring soul who lived life to the fullest. Those who knew him will remember his warmth, his generosity, and the joy he brought to every room. He was deeply devoted to his family, and together they created memories through their shared love of travel and adventure.
“We are setting up this fund to help bring Bruno home to his birthplace in Latvia, where he can be laid to rest with the love, dignity, and peace he deserves.
“Your support will help cover the costs of transportation, funeral arrangements in Latvia, and ease the financial burden on Sandra and Kristiana during this incredibly painful time.
“No contribution is too small. If you are unable to donate, we kindly ask that you share this page with others who may be able to help. Every act of kindness means the world.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your support, love, and prayers. Rest in peace, Bruno. You will be missed more than words can express.”
You can donate money here.
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