Law Enforcement Requests Help from the Public Following Deadly Hit-and-Run That Took the Life of Derry Resident Patrick Flanagan

 DUNGIVEN, Co. Derry — A profound feeling of sorrow and shock has enveloped Dungiven and the broader Derry area following the passing of 69-year-old Patrick Flanagan, who sustained fatal injuries in an alleged hit-and-run incident on Foreglen Road during the early hours of Sunday.

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) responded to the scene shortly after 1:35 a.m., following reports of a man who was found gravely injured alongside the road. Mr. Flanagan was rushed to the hospital but unfortunately did not survive his injuries shortly thereafter.

Investigators suspect he was hit by a vehicle that left the scene, leading them to make an urgent request for any dash-cam footage or information from witnesses who might have been in the vicinity between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m.

Detective Inspector Gillian Connolly, who is at the forefront of the investigation, stated that inquiries are still active. “We are encouraging anyone who might have been driving on Foreglen Road during that timeframe and saw something out of the ordinary—or who may possess dash-cam footage—to reach out to the police right away,” she explained.

Local political figures have voiced their shock and grief over this unfortunate event. Cara Hunter MLA expressed her sympathies to the family of the victim and urged anyone with relevant information to support the investigation. Sinn Féin’s Caoimhe Archibald MLA referred to the occurrence as “a devastating loss for the community,” while Amy Mairs from the Alliance Party remarked, “Each fatality on our roads is a tragic occurrence. My heart is with the family and friends who are grieving the loss of Mr. Flanagan.”

In Dungiven, residents are grappling with the abruptness of this tragedy. Many recall Mr. Flanagan as a gentle, amiable individual well-known in the locality. Candles and flowers have started to be placed near the location where he was discovered, as neighbors come together in mourning and call for justice.

The PSNI is treating this case with utmost priority, and officers are appealing to anyone with information—regardless of how insignificant it may appear—to come forward.

Witnesses may reach Coleraine CID at 101, using the reference number “123 02/11/25”, or provide information online through the PSNI website. Individuals wishing to keep their identity confidential can contact Crimestoppers at 0800 555 111.

As the community of Dungiven grieves, one sentiment resonates throughout: a call for justice for Patrick Flanagan and closure for his sorrowful family.