The Irish Independent reported on a car accident that killed a Roscommon pedestrian. But, in doing so, the Independent included far too graphic of details about the accident, which upset the victim’s family. Now, the Independent is apologizing to the family.
The victim, Michael O’Gara, was killed last year when he was crossing a road and a car hit him.
The apology to O’Gara’s family came after the family complained to the Irish Press Ombudsman about the article, the press ombudsman’s office confirmed to iMediaEthics by e-mail. The Irish press council’s code requires “sympathy and discretion” as well as consideration for “the feelings of grieving families” in reporting on incidents related to grief and shock.
iMediaEthics has written to the Independent for more information about the apology and original article.
The Dec. 5 apology reads:
“On 23 August 2017 we published an article related to a fatal road accident in Co Roscommon which occurred on the 8 December 2016.
“We very much regret that this article caused distress and great upset to the family of the late Michael O’Gara by including excessive detail in relation to the accident.
“We wish to apologise sincerely for the publication of this article and for the upset that it caused.”