Fund set up for tragic Croat

FRIENDS of a Croatian man who died in an accident on the M50 last month have set up an online fund to send his remains back to his native homeland.

Vedran Kohut died after an accident involving a truck on November 18 at the Blanchardstown junction.

The 37-year-old had travelled through much of Europe over the past three years with his beloved dog, Evelyn.

The Croat began travelling around Europe in 2013 as part of a campaign to raise awareness of homelessness. He set off with Evelyn and just €5 and initially raised money by selling wallets hand-made from recycled materials.

In Ireland he spent a Christmas Day sleeping on the streets of Dublin and earlier this year was sleeping out on the banks of the Shannon.

He slept in 29 cities across Europe during his journey and spent time in France, Switzerland, Germany, Poland, Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, Italy and Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Earlier this year, Vedran had his passport, documents and a laptop stolen while travelling by train from Galway to Dublin.

His story was featured in the Limerick Post where he was reported to be “emotionally exhausted” by his journey.

The paper had covered his story before and last week ran a special two-page tribute to Vedran.

Vedran wrote a blog about his journey and slept on the street, even if it was raining or snowing.

The fundraising campaign was set up by friends in Ireland on gofundme.com/uxb946ec. 

“He ended up in Ireland where he met a lot of friends,” the campaign page reads. “All the obstacles that he came across didn’t stop him, he just kept going.”

The campaign page says Vedran’s family’s wish is for him to be cremated in Dublin and his ashes sent home.

“We are all coming together to fulfill his family’s wishes and get him home.”

Gardaí in Blanchardstown are appealing for witnesses to the accident on October 18 and can be contacted on 01-6667000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.