Tragic first pic of ‘devoted’ dad, 30s, killed in two-car Meath motorway crash amid devastated family’s funeral ‘wish’

THIS is the tragic first picture of a dad-of-two who died in a crash on the M4 motorway in Co Meath on Tuesday.

Kaio César Moreira Farias, 30, died in the horrific two-vehicle crash at around 2.30pm on the M4 westbound at Junction 9 in Enfield.

Kaio, from Uruana, Goiás in Brazil, has been living in Gort, Co Galway with his wife Daniela Rodrigues, 33, and the couple’s two children for a few years.

Kaio’s sister Camila Moreira said on social media yesterday that the couple had travelled to Dublin to collect their youngest son’s passport when the fatal collision occurred.

The duo were planning to visit Brazil at the end of this year before the fatal smash on their way back to Gort on Tuesday.

Emergency services raced to the scene but sadly the dad-of-two was pronounced dead a short time later.

Kaio’s wife Daniela was brought to hospital for treatment of non-life threatening injuries.

The couple’s children were not in the car when the collision took place.

Kaio lived in Anápolis in Brazil’s Central-West region before moving to Ireland.

A fundraiser has now been set up to repatriate Kaio’s body and help support his family following his shock death this week.

In a statement on the GoFundMe page, Kaio’s friend Douglas Alves said his family and friends are “facing immense grief and a situation no one ever imagined they would have to face.”

He said: “It is with deeply saddened hearts, we are asking for your support following the sudden loss of Kaio, who passed away following a car accident on Tuesday September 15th.

“Kaio was a much-loved friend, companion and work colleague and loving husband to Daniela and devoted father to his two beautiful young boys Davi and João Gabriel.

“Wherever Kaio went, he made friends, built meaningful connections and leaves behind many fond memories.

“For those who were lucky to know Kaio, there will be lots of fond and fun memories, stories, moments shared and all the many kindnesses he leaves behind.”

Douglas explained that any funds raised will cover “the costs of repatriation back to Brazil as well as funeral expenses.”

He added: “His unexpected passing has left his wife Daniela, his two boys Davi & João Gabriel, family and friends facing immense grief and a situation no one ever imagined they would have to face.

“It is the family’s wish is to bring Kaio back to Brazil, so that his parents and family can say their farewells to their cherished Kaio and be laid to rest alongside his family and loved ones.

“For this reason, we are raising funds to help cover the costs of repatriation back to Brazil, funeral expenses in Brazil. Costs to allow his family in Gort to travel with him on his final journey home.

“Any excess funds will go towards medical expenses following the accident for Daniela who is recovering in hospital in Dublin and thereafter as a means of supporting Kaio’s family as they face the consequences of this unexpected and tragic loss.”

The fundraiser has reached €13,269 of a €20,000 goal at the time of writing.

Gardai are now appealing for anyone with information about the fatal crash to contact them.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the force said: “Gardai are appealing for witnesses following a two vehicle fatal road traffic collision that occurred on the M4 road westbound at Junction 9 (Enfield), Co Meath this Tuesday afternoon 15th September 2026 at approximately 2.30pm.

“Any road users who were travelling on the M4 near Junction 9 (Enfield) between 2pm and 3pm today and who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make it available to investigating Gardai.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Trim Garda Station on 046 942 6140, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”