Police Hunt Driver After Patrick Flanagan Dies in Foreglen Road Hit-and-Run
DUNGIVEN, DERRY, NORTHERN IRELAND — The quiet community of Dungiven is in mourning following the tragic death of 69-year-old Patrick Flanagan, who lost his life after being struck by a vehicle that failed to stop on Foreglen Road early Sunday morning. Police have launched an urgent appeal to locate the driver responsible, describing the incident as a hit-and-run fatal collision that has left both investigators and Flanagan’s family searching for answers.
According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI), officers were called to the scene at approximately 1:35 a.m. on Sunday, November 2, 2025, after a report was made of an injured man lying on the roadway near Dungiven, in the Derry area. When emergency services arrived, they found Patrick Flanagan critically injured, the result of what authorities now believe was a high-impact collision with a passing vehicle.
Paramedics provided immediate medical care and transported Mr. Flanagan to hospital; however, despite their efforts, he tragically passed away from his injuries a short time later.
A Family Left Devastated
Patrick Flanagan, 69, was well-known in the Dungiven area — a lifelong resident who had spent decades living and working in the local community. Neighbours describe him as “a kind, gentle man who loved to help others,” someone who would always stop for a chat or lend a hand when needed.
His sudden passing has devastated his family, who are now grappling with grief and uncertainty as investigators work to determine what happened in the moments before and after the collision. Loved ones have described the tragedy as “a nightmare,” struggling to understand how someone could drive away, leaving him alone on the road in the middle of the night.
Police Investigation Underway
Detective Inspector Gillian Connolly, who is leading the Criminal Investigation Department’s (CID) inquiry, has appealed directly to the public for assistance. Investigators are focusing on the crucial one-hour window between 1:00 a.m. and 2:00 a.m., when the incident is believed to have occurred.
“We are appealing to anyone who was travelling along Foreglen Road during this time to come forward,” DI Connolly said. “If you saw anything unusual, or if you have dash-cam footage that may show a vehicle in the area, please contact us. A family has lost a loved one, and we need to know what happened.”
Police believe that the vehicle involved would have sustained visible damage as a result of the collision. Detectives are urging mechanics, repair shops, and residents to be alert for any vehicles showing recent front-end or undercarriage damage that might match the timeline.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Coleraine CID on 101, quoting reference number 123 02/11/25, or to reach out to Crimestoppers anonymously at 0800 555 111.
A Community in Shock
Residents of Dungiven have expressed both heartbreak and outrage at the circumstances surrounding Patrick Flanagan’s death. Foreglen Road, a well-traveled but poorly lit stretch of roadway, has long been considered dangerous, especially during nighttime hours. The thought that someone could strike a pedestrian and leave the scene without calling for help has deeply disturbed the local community.
Local councillors have called for improved lighting and speed controls on rural roads like Foreglen Road, arguing that pedestrian safety must be prioritized to prevent further tragedies. Several vigils are being organized in Patrick’s memory, with locals expected to gather at the site of the crash later this week to lay flowers and pay tribute.
Remembering Patrick Flanagan
Patrick’s family has described him as “a warm-hearted, dependable man who never met a stranger.” He had lived in Dungiven his entire life and was known to frequent local shops and community gatherings. Friends recall his sense of humour, his generosity, and his deep love for his family and the place he called home.
His death has left an irreplaceable void in the lives of those who knew him. His relatives are pleading for anyone with knowledge of the collision to come forward, emphasizing that closure and justice for Patrick depend on the truth being revealed.
“Someone knows what happened that night,” a family spokesperson said. “If you were on that road, or if you know someone whose car was damaged, please do the right thing. Patrick deserves justice.”
The Search for Answers
As investigators piece together evidence — from forensic analysis to camera footage — the focus remains on finding the driver who fled the scene. Police are confident that the combination of public cooperation and digital evidence will help bring clarity to the case.
Until then, the community of Dungiven mourns a man whose final moments were marked by tragedy — and whose family continues to wait for answers about what really happened on Foreglen Road that night.
