Fight for Richie‘s Rights - died in Calahonda 27.6

Richie’s accident 27th June 2020

You may have heard of the terrible accident of Richie Kennedy - 39 years old  - falling into a manhole 2,5 meters deep right next to the road and the roundabout where the toll road starts in Calahonda- Mijas Costa Spain ( Malaga ) 
It was in the Spanish and English news with a slightly different story than the truth. 

Richie has been living in Spain for more than 4 years - working in low paid jobs and fighting to pay his bills and make a lovely  home for his 2 dogs at the same time. 

Richie just finished his study as a carer a couple of weeks before and was looking forward to helping other people and have a new career and a steady income living in Spain. 

Richie Kennedy was a lively spirit and he inspired so many of his friends and all his surroundings to stay happy and listening to dance music ( often Kylie ) and just take life in an easy way and enjoy every moment. 

My boyfriend left me with only 39 years because of this terrible accident and due to a lack of common sense to put a cover on one of more drainage holes along a very busy road. 

Richie was out that night - having a laugh with some friends and making sure they all got home safely in a taxi. 

He texted me 0.47 AM that he would start walking home himself to our house and that he had forgotten his keys and if I would please wait up for him. 

2.00 AM I texted him. “ Where are you “
but no answer.
His family and I started looking for him calling security and police and hospitals. 

It wasn’t until next afternoon at 16.30 PM that I found him myself - lying dead in that uncovered concrete manhole.  
Richie was simply walking at the side of the road and because lack of lights and no cover - he must have fallen into a 2.5 meter deep concrete hole.

He died instantly which gives us some comfort- but this hole should have been covered in the first place.

His family and I decided to make someone responsible and to find the right responsible authorities and we will fight through court - even if it takes years.
This is why we kindly ask you to donate to the costs of lawyers etc. to fight a battle for a very loving, caring, intelligent and selfless guy who lost his life unnecessarily at 39 years.

3 days after the accident I went to the EUC Calahonda because that hole was still not secured in any way and asked how many lives has to be sacrificed before someone makes sure to secure that manhole. 

2 hours later ( thanks to Olivia amongst others ) the hole was secured with fense and after 2 weeks even completely covered and secured. 

Thank you for listening to our story. 

We will never forget Richie. 

Some lovely videos and pictures are to be found in his Facebook account.

Kind regards
Claus Dueholm  Boyfriend 
Anne New Charles mother
Ryan Kennedy Brother 
Graham New Charles Stepfather