Home / Crime and Justice / Van Crash Survivor: 'I Wake Up Daily in Pain'
Van Crash Survivor: 'I Wake Up Daily in Pain'
24 Sep
Summary
- Woman sustained shattered pelvis, broken vertebrae, and leg.
- Driver initially fled scene, denied responsibility, then pleaded guilty.
- Victim criticizes driver's lack of remorse and lenient sentence.
Fiona Gill, a mother of two, is still experiencing daily pain and underwent major surgeries after being struck by a van in October 2024. Her injuries included a shattered pelvis, two broken vertebrae, and a broken leg, necessitating months in a wheelchair and a painful recovery.
Kavan Keenan, the Antrim GAA footballer driving the van, was recently handed a nine-month suspended prison sentence and a 12-month driving ban. He admitted to careless driving, failing to remain at the scene, driving without insurance, and failing to report the accident. Keenan had initially left the scene and denied driving, changing his plea shortly before trial.
McGill described her recovery as excruciating, with relatives stepping in to care for her children. She feels Keenan's sentence should have been more severe, particularly regarding the driving ban and the lack of expressed remorse. The judge noted character references highlighting Keenan's remorse and community contributions, but McGill maintains his remorse is only for himself, having shown her none directly.
Speaking for the first time since the crash, McGill aims to highlight the true, life-altering impact of the incident, emphasizing that her daily pain and changed life are the harsh realities beyond superficial inquiries about her leg.
