The Deliveroo rider who allowed hit-and-run victim Thiago Cortes to use his account has now had his self-employed contract terminated with the company, it is understood.
Mr Cortes was not legally allowed to be working for Deliveroo at the time of his death.
The Brazilian (28) died on September 1 from injuries he suffered when he was knocked down in Dublin while cycling as a courier for the fast-food delivery firm.
He had only recently become engaged to his partner Teresa Dantas, who said this weekend she remains heartbroken but thanked the Irish public for their support.
A north Dublin teenager, well known to gardaí, was driving an uninsured and untaxed Ford Focus and is the chief suspect for the hit-and-run at North Wall Quay.
In a new development, it has emerged that the much-loved Brazilian had been sub-contracting a friend’s Deliveroo account when he was killed.
All Deliveroo riders are self-employed and entitled to subcontract services to allow another individual to use their account to do deliveries on their behalf.
However, the person they subcontract to must be a permanent resident in the country where they are working.
In the case of Mr Cortes, he was in Ireland on a student visa that did not permit him to work as a subcontractor for Deliveroo.
The Deliveroo rider who allowed the victim to use his account has now had his self-employed contract terminated with the company, it is understood. This man was legally responsible for ensuring Mr Thiago met all the necessary requirements, which the first rider did not.
Deliveroo has been in contact with the victim’s fiancee and family since the tragedy. It is understood the company also made a financial donation to Mr Cortes’s loved-ones and is assisting with insurance claims.
“All of us at Deliveroo are deeply saddened by the tragic passing of Thiago Cortes. Since the tragedy, Deliveroo has been in touch with Thiago’s family and riders in Dublin,” said a company spokesman. “Our thoughts, prayers and condolences are with Thiago’s family and all those who knew him.
“Riders are at the very heart of Deliveroo and their safety and security is our priority.
“Deliveroo riders, like all self-employed contractors, are able to use substitutes, but we are clear that they have obligations when substitution is put into practice.”
Speaking this weekend, Ms Dantas said she was still devastated over the loss of her fiance but was getting “stronger every day”.
“My mother came to Ireland after this happened and is staying a couple of weeks more. That is helping,” she said.
“Deliveroo did get in touch. It was nice of them. I really appreciate the support I have got from everyone in Ireland and Brazil. People have been coming up to me on the street and talking to me about it. It’s been amazing.”
On Thursday last week, her fiance was cremated in a “very nice” ceremony at Mount Jerome in Harold’s Cross, Dublin, she added. “His parents are trying to decide what to do with his ashes. I am going to be staying in Ireland for now. I have friends and support here and a sister in France.”
Mourners held a vigil in Dublin city in memory of Mr Cortes days after his death.
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