RIP: Tributes paid to mother-of-two who died after being struck by SUV while out running

An Irish community has been left heartbroken following the tragic death of a local woman and avid runner, Anila Mucaj, who was fatally struck by an SUV while out jogging in Tralee on Sunday morning.

Ms Mucaj, a 48-year-old mother of two, was running with two friends along the Canal Road in Tralee, Co Kerry when the collision occurred before 10am. 

Emergency services attended the scene and she was transported to University Hospital Kerry, where she was later pronounced dead. 

Her two jogging companions, as well as the driver of the SUV, a man in his 80s, were also taken to hospital though their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.

A passionate runner, Ms Mucaj was a well-known member of the Born to Run Tralee Club, where she had participated in multiple marathons and been an active member of the club. 

Born to Run paid tribute to her in a heartfelt statement on social media, describing her as a "beautiful, kind friend" and extending their sympathies to her husband and two sons.

"Today we have been left devastated by the tragic news that our beautiful kind friend Anila has passed away after an accident on the canal road," the club posted to their Facebook page. 

"Our thoughts are with her husband and her two beautiful boys and all of Anila's family at this time. We also pray for Claire and Clara who were running with Anila so that they make a full recovery.

"Our thoughts are with all the families this evening. Rest in peace our beautiful friend."

Friends and fellow runners have also shared their condolences, remembering Anila as a "beautiful" and "caring" person. 

"Heartbreaking. Anila was a kind, caring, beautiful person and put everyone else first. She had such a generous heart. Thinking of all of her family at this time," one friend commented on the post. 

Another said: "Rest in peace Anila! Such a fabulous lady who always had a smile on her face and a kind word for everyone. My thoughts and prayers are with her and her family and her extended running family too."

Gardaí have appealed for witnesses or anyone with dashcam footage fro m the area around the time of the accident to come forward. Anyone with information is asked to contact Tralee Garda Station on 066 7102300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

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