Heartbreak as couple killed in horrific Tramore road crash

Communities in Naas and Waterford are coming to terms with a horrific road traffic collision that claimed the lives of Brian and Grace Frisby, who both hailed from respected families in Waterford before making Naas in County Kildare their home. 

It's believed that the couple in their forties were in Waterford for the family funeral of one of Grace's relations when tragedy struck on the main Waterford to Tramore road at Robin Hill, when the car that they were travelling in was involved in a collision with a van. 

The occupants of the van, a male in his 50s and a teenage boy, were taken from the scene to University Hospital Waterford, where they were treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries.

Shortly after noon on Saturday morning last, emergency services responded to reports of a two-vehicle collision that turned out to be fatal as both Brian and his wife, Grace, were pronounced dead at the scene. 

They are survived by their two sons, Theo and Fionn, who are being comforted at their Naas home by family relatives. 

A statement issued by the Garda Press Office read: "Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the incident, involving a van and a car, at approximately 12pm. The occupants of the car, a man and a woman, both in their 40s, were pronounced deceased at the scene.

"Their remains have been removed to University Hospital Waterford where post-mortem examinations will take place in due course. The Coroner has been notified.

"The occupants of the van, a man (50s) and a juvenile male, were taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment of injuries believed to be non-life-threatening.

"Garda Forensic Collision Investigators have completed a technical examination of the scene and the road has been reopened.

"Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

"Road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 11.45am and 12.15pm are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Tramore Garda Station on (051) 391620, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station."

Sinn Féin Councillor Jim Griffin told the Waterford News & Star that his father and Brian’s father, Bernard Frisby, worked together in Harvey Printers for over 20 years. 

“They were a lovely family, and this will be devastating for the community. I’ve gotten texts from people way outside Waterford saying they can’t believe this happened and that they were such a lovely couple.” 

Cllr Griffin was leaving Tramore when he saw emergency services arrive at the scene. Although a barrier wasn’t in place yet, Cllr Griffin was with his young grandchildren and “something told me to take the coast road instead. Thank God I did.” 

The couple were members of Naas GAA club along with their two sons. Club chairman Damien McGrath said: "Naas GAA is deeply saddened by the tragic passing of two much-loved members of our club and community, Brian and Grace Frisby, who lost their lives in a road traffic accident on Saturday.

"Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with their two sons, Fionn and Theo, their extended families, friends, and all who are grieving at this devastating time.

"This is an unimaginable loss for those closest to them, and the entire Naas GAA community stands with them in their sorrow.

"Brian was an active coach within our club, giving generously of his time, energy, and passion to support and develop our young players. Their passing under such tragic circumstances will be felt far and wide across both the club and the wider community.

"His contribution and support will be remembered with deep appreciation.

"In the coming days, we will work closely with the family to support them in any way we can, and we ask that the privacy of all those affected be respected as they navigate this very painful period. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha," Mr McGrath added.

As the Frisby and Elliott families try to come to terms with the enormous loss, funeral arrangements were unavailable at the time of going to print.