Ronan Keating 'dropped everything' after learning on phone call his brother died in crash
The older brother of former Boyzone singer Ronan Keating died after being involved in a car crash on Saturday (15 July) in County Mayo, the Republic of Ireland.
Police confirmed that Ciaran Keating had died in a two vehicle crash while his wife was also injured in the collision.
The driver of the other vehicle was seriously injured and taken to Mayo University Hospital while a man and woman are also receiving treatment, with their injuries believed to not be life threatening.
The collision occurred on the N5 at Ballymiles, near Swinford, at around 3:35pm on Saturday afternoon and forensic investigators for the Garda have conducted an investigation of the scene of the crash and the vehicles involved.
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Such tragic news has of course come as a shock to his family, and the Daily Mirror reports that Ronan rushed back to Ireland after being informed of the news about his brother.
They reported that, according to a source, Keating had heard about his brother's death over the phone and 'dropped everything' to rush back home and support his family during what must be a difficult time.
The source also claimed that he is trying to 'stay strong for the sake of the family'.
Tyla has reached out to Ronan Keating's reps for comment.
According to the BBC, Ciaran and his wife Ann Marie had been travelling to watch their son Ruairí, who plays football for Cork City Football Club.
The club released a statement on Ciaran's death offering their condolences to the Keating family.
They said: "All at Cork City FC are deeply saddened at the passing of Ciaran Keating, father of our player Ruairi Keating.
"We extend our deepest sympathies to Ruairi and the entire Keating family at this exceptionally difficult time. We ask that the family’s privacy be respected at this difficult time.
"Funeral arrangements will be confirmed in due course. May he rest in peace."
Ronan's Boyzone bandmate Keith Duffy was also among those who posted a tribute to Ciaran on social media, with a picture of a candle added to his Instagram page and a caption explaining how much Ciaran had helped the band in their early days.
Duffy wrote: "I can’t comprehend the loss and devastation of my brother @rokeating and all the Keating family.
"All my family are praying and thinking of our Keating family right now. Ciaran from the early days you toured with us you where a great guide on our journey in the early days.
"You helped and supported us young innocent kids. Take your place in heaven buddy with your Mam Marie."
Ciaran was one of the founders of the Marie Keating Foundation, which aims to raise awareness of cancer and the importance of detecting it early.
Joe Harker