Police Department’s tribute to Vietnam veteran killed in Westmeath road tragedy

Tributes have been paid to a Vietnam veteran who was killed in a car crash last week.

Former police officer Joe Marroquin and his wife Cathy were driving to Dublin Airport to catch a flight to the US when he lost his life last Wednesday.

He was pronounced dead at the scene on the Castlepollard to Mullingar road, Co Westmeath, while his wife Cathy, who is in her 60s, was brought to Midlands Regional Hospital where she remains critically ill.

READ MORE – Heartbreaking scenes as hundreds of mourners turn out to pay respects to mother and daughter killed in crash

READ MORE – Taoiseach pays tribute after horror night on Irish roads, with four people killed in crashes

Two men, aged in their 30s and 20s, suffered minor injuries in the two-vehicle crash. Mr Marroquin and his wife have Irish ancestry and had been visiting relatives in Whitehall, Co Westmeath.

A spokesman for the Bellaire Police Department in Texas said: “The City of Bellaire and the Bellaire Police Department express deep sorrow at the tragic loss of Joe Marroquin.

“He passed away in a car accident while visiting family with his wife in Ireland.

“Our thoughts are with his wife, also a beloved member of our police department, who was also involved in the accident.

“We fervently hope for her swift recovery. Joe served with the US Marine Corps before becoming a police officer in 1970.

“He worked for Bellaire PD from 1972 -1985, joined Harris County, and returned to Bellaire in 2017. We thank him for serving.

“During this exceptionally challenging time, we extend our heartfelt condolences to their family.

“We wish them strength and support as they navigate this painful situation.”

Mr Marroquinn, who fought in the Vietnam War from 1967 to 1968, was one of four people killed in road accidents during the week. Aisling Moore, who was 46, and her eight-year-old daughter Abbigael, died when their car collided with a lorry near Swinford, Co Mayo.

The body of Polish man Marcin Nowosielski was found in a crashed car in a separate incident. Their deaths brought the total number to die on Irish roads this year to 97. Mr Marroquinn was also the second US tourist to die in an accident in recent weeks.

Michael Gallagher, 87, from San Francisco, was visiting family members in the Achill area on Co Mayo when the quad bike he was on was involved in a crash.

Join the Irish Mirror’s breaking news service on WhatsApp. Click this link to receive breaking news and the latest headlines direct to your phone. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don’t like our community, you can check out any time you like. If you’re curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.