Local ‘angel’ will be missed
Thursday, 13 November 2008
Local girl Caoimhe Kerr who was tragically killed on Thursday when she was struck by a van while crossing the busy Castledawson roundabout.
THE accident which tragically took the life of Magherafelt woman Caoimhe Kerr, (22) occurred on Thursday, November 6, at approximately 5.30pm.
It is believed Caoimhe, a third year university student, had exited a bus from Belfast when she was struck by a van at the Castledawson Roundabout.
She died at the scene -- just a few miles from her Magherafelt home -- a short time later.
Family friend and SDLP councillor, James Campbell, said the whole community had been left "shattered" by the grim news.
“The Kerr family are well known in the area -- Caoimhe would have a very large extended family.
“They are a close-knit family who are well-known and highly regarded in the Magherafelt area and they will be totally devastated, like everyone, by this death."
All week heartbroken friends and relatives have left dozens of tributes on Caoimhe's Bebo homepage.One heartbroken friend wrote: "R.I.P. Caoimhe, no-one knows why you were taken but you are an angel now in heaven, sweet dreams."
The Castledawson roundabout remained closed for a considerable length of time following the accident as police continued with their investigations.
Caoimhe's funeral took place on Monday morning, attended by a large number of mourners all wanting to pay their last respects and say goodbye to the much-loved young woman.
Police are appealing for witnesses and a spokesman said that although the incident was not a hit-and-run, they are keen to hear from the driver of a lorry who was in the area at the time.
Anyone with information is asked to contact police on 0845 600 8000.
Caoimhe's death brings the total number of people who have lost their lives on the Province's roads this year to 85.
This time last year the figure stood at 90, and in 2006 it was 107.
