TRIBUTES HAVE BEEN paid following the death of Brighton Mafuta, a Donegal footballer and chef, who was killed in a road crash in Co Tyrone on Monday night.

The 36-year-old died following a two-vehicle collision on the A5 in the Garvaghy area at around 10.15pm.

The crash, involving a white Audi A6 and a silver Nissan Micra, occurred on the Omagh Road between Ballygawley and Omagh. Mafuta, who was driving the Nissan, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Three occupants of the Audi were taken to hospital for treatment to injuries not believed to be life-threatening.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has appealed to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have dashcam or other footage that could assist with the investigation, to contact them.

Originally from Zimbabwe, Mafuta was well known in football circles across the north west and worked as a chef at the Snugborough restaurant in Letterkenny.

In a post on social media, the restaurant said it had “tragically lost our incredible, funny, loyal, hardworking chef and friend Brighton”.

“An unforgettable colleague to everyone who worked with him,” a statement from the restaurant added.

Owners James and Jacqui, along with his “Snugborough family”, offered condolences to his family and friends. The restaurant said it would close for the weekend as a mark of respect and reopen on Thursday 5 March.

Donegal Town FC said the club was “shocked and deeply saddened” to learn of the passing of their “dear friend”.

“Brighton played for the club for a number of years and was a valued member of the squad that won the League title in 2013,” the club said.

“He showed great dedication, travelling afar to play despite not living nearby anymore. He had an infectious personality and got on fantastically with everyone who had the pleasure of meeting him,” the club said.

A minute’s silence was observed before kick-off at the club’s match today.

Monaghan FC also paid tribute, describing Mafuta as a “valued member of the team” during his time with the club.

“Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. RIP,” a statement said.

The A5 has seen 58 deaths since 2006, when upgrades to the dual carriageway were approved by Stormont.

However, the High Court in Belfast last year quashed the project, ruling that the proposed scheme breached elements of Northern Ireland’s Climate Change Act.

SDLP MLA for West Tyrone Daniel McCrossan previously described the latest fatality as a “tragic loss” and reiterated calls for long-promised safety improvements to the road.

Investigations into the collision are ongoing.