Comic, 37 dies in car crash

Tributes have been paid to Irish comedian Billy Anderson after he died in a car crash yesterday.

The 37-year-old was born in Charleston, South Carolina, but had lived in County Wexford for several years, where he was also an addiction counsellor and father to a young son.

He also coached the Wexford Eagles American football team, and was travelling to rendezvous with a coach taking them to County Armargh when the accident happened.

He was killed instantly, while the female driver of the second car involved was rushed to Wexford General Hospital.

The Irish comedy circuit rushed to pay tribute to 'a lovely funny guy'.

Alison Spittle said: 'I met Billy when I first started comedy, he was a gent.The only thing that lit up his face more than talking about comedy was talking about his son. A compassionate guy with a car full of stand-up CDs. So sorry for his family.'

Gerry McBride posted: 'Comedy lost a good man yesterday. Billy Anderson, called to the stage one last time. I've fond memories of a gig we did in a tiny village in Longford, but hadn't seen him in ages. You think people will always be around. They're not. Contact them today. Tomorrow isn't owed to you.'

And Gearoid Farrelly added: 'I can’t believe it. He was such a lovely funny guy. This is awful.'

And the official Twitter account of Dublin's Battle Of The Axe comedy club posted: 'Sad to hear of the death of comedian Billy Anderson RIP. First performed with us in 2010. Funny guy and very well liked amongst his peers. It's shocking news. Our deepest sympathies go out to his family from all at the club.'

This photo of Unhinged Comedy is courtesy of TripAdvisor

Published: 27 May 2019