'Community hero' in his 80s dies after being struck by car
Jim (James) McKee was from the Grosvenor Road area
- Published
A man in his 80s has died after being struck by a car in west Belfast on Saturday.
He was 81-year-old Jim (James) McKee from the Grosvenor Road area.
The pedestrian was involved in a serious collision with a car in the Genoa Street area at about 11:20 BST on Saturday, police said.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service despatched a rapid response paramedic and three emergency crews to the incident but Mr McKee was pronounced dead at the scene.
Distillery Street was closed at the junction with the Grosvenor Road but has now reopened.
'Community hero'
Immaculata Football Club, where Mr McKee was chairman, said it is "absolutely heartbroken".
The club described him as a "dedicated volunteer, coach, manager, chairman, supporter, friend and mentor - a true pillar of our club" and "a community hero in the truest sense".
"He devoted his life to Immaculata, working tirelessly for decades to ensure its growth and success on and off the pitch," the club said, in a statement.
"His legacy will live on for generations."
Sinn Féin councillor Tina Black described Mr McKee as "an absolute gentleman".
"In today's world, the word legend is often overused, but Jim truly was one," she said.
"He embodied the spirit of a community champion and will forever be remembered as one of our own."