Cork student, 21, killed in ‘hit-and-run’ road traffic collision in the Netherlands
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Cork student, 21, killed in ‘hit-and-run’ road traffic collision in the Netherlands

AN Irish student has lost her life in a hit-and-run incident on a road in the Netherlands.

Aoife O'Connell, 21, from Ballintemple in Cork city, was killed after being struck by a motorist at Fort de Bilt in the Dutch city of Utrecht at around 4.30am on Sunday morning.

According to local media, Ms O'Connell was discovered unresponsive by members of the public and tragically succumbed to her injuries before an ambulance could arrive.

The motorist involved – a 37-year-old man who was driving a green-gray Renault Scénic – did not stop at the scene but later handed himself in to police for questioning.

Ms O'Connell was a third year Economics undergraduate at University College Cork (UCC) and was studying at HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht on an Erasmus scheme at the time.

It is understood that her parents John and Deirdre have travelled to the Netherlands to bring their daughter's body home.

In a statement, a UCC spokesperson said the university was providing support to the O'Connell family and expressed their condolences.

"UCC wishes to extend its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Aoife O'Connell, who sadly passed away in the Netherlands at the weekend," they said.

"UCC is providing support to Aoife's family and friends at this difficult time."

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed they were aware of the case and providing consular assistance.