TRIBUTES are being paid to a popular Irish businessman who died in a road traffic incident in Thailand.
Neil More O’Ferrall, 54, was struck by a black Ford Everest SUV as he crossed the road in Phang Nga province, 500 miles south of Bangkok, on March 17.
The racehorse owner, who also ran a business selling wellness products in Co Wicklow, Ireland, was sent flying through the air following the collision.
Police were called to the scene at around 9pm to find Neil unconscious in the road, with his black flipflops strewn on the pavement near the Sangsawan Resort.
Devastated friends paid tribute to Neil.
‘CRAIC WAS MIGHTY’
One said: “After a traffic accident in Thailand, it is very sad and surreal to realise Neil will never jump into a room and tell a one liner. He’ll never surprise us with a call from Greece or Spain.
“There’s been the guts of 40 years of memories between but that is just a number. You shall be missed, my friend, and the craic was mighty. Rest well, Neil.”
Another added: “This legend left us yesterday. I’ve no words that will match the gravity of loss I feel right now. His door was always open to anyone needing help. He will be missed by many far and wide.”
TRAGIC INCIDENT
SUV driver Witsanu Alitoumina, from Trang Province, had remained at the scene, alongside the damaged SUV, and is cooperating with police in their investigation.
Mr More O’Ferrall was rushed to the Khao Lak Medical Centre, but was declared dead shortly after 9:30pm.
Khao Lak Police Captain Noppawat Engtheaw, said: “Doctors believe he was killed due to a broken neck.
“It has been accepted for investigation as a traffic case and an autopsy case, and we will proceed further.”
Police have yet to confirm whether SUV driver Mr Alitoumina will be charged in relation to the incident.
Khao Lak officers have, however, reported it to the Phang Nga Provincial Police, describing the incident as “serious and shocking”.
BUSINESS OWNER
Neil is the owner and founder of RecoveryCBD, a “natural wellness shop” selling an assortment of hemp-derived products including oils, coffees, vapes, pet medicines, and even herbal bath bombs.
The store based in Glenmalure was established in 2017, after Neil suffered a road accident that reportedly left him disabled and dependent on painkillers. Hoping to quit his addiction to the drugs, he said he turned to cannabis as an alternative medicine.
His business venture first began with a focus on treating suffering animals. However, he said he became more convinced about the therapeutic effects of the herbs on humans.
He previously said of his career: “Being a car dealer was a soulless occupation but I now operate this business from my heart.”
Neil was vacationing in Thailand when the fatal crash killed him.
Thailand has one of the world’s worst road safety records.
Ministers have set the goal of reducing fatalities from 32.7 deaths per 100,000 people – to 12 per 100,000 people – by the year 2027.
However, efforts to achieve this have been hampered by a lack of road safety education in schools, along with notoriously easy driving tests, police failures to enforce road laws, and chronic under-investment in infrastructure.
Neil More O’Ferrall, 54, was struck by a black Ford Everest SUV[/caption]
