The death of a Tandragee teenager following a road crash in Co Armagh has been described as a “heartbreaking tragedy”.
Daniel McCallister (18) passed away in hospital on Wednesday three days after the two-vehicle collision in Markethill on the evening of Sunday, September 15.
A blue Volkswagen Jetta, driven by Mr McCallister, and a blue Volkswagen Touran, were involved in the crash.
The other driver remains in a critical condition in hospital.
The McCallister family were well-known in the Armagh area.
TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe offered his condolences to the McCallister family.
“It’s absolutely shocking news,” he said.
“I live only a mile and a half from the family and my heart goes out to them. Daniel was only 18-years-old and I have children myself, it must be absolutely unbearable news.
“The McCallister family are extremely well thought of in the area and this is just such a heartbreaking tragedy.
“I want to send my sympathies and condolences to all the McCallisters and I’m sure the whole community will rally round them at this very difficult time.”
Independent unionist councillor Paul Berry added: “I would know Daniel’s father very well and the family is highly regarded and respected around here.
“It has just come as a huge shock and everyone is praying for them. To lose anyone is a tragedy, but to lose someone so young, just at the start of their life, is incredibly sad.”
Mr McCallister’s funeral notice described him as the “dearly loved son of William and Barbara, much loved brother of Sarah, Jack, Kathryn and Samuel, dear brother-in-law of Adam, cherished grandson of Jackie and Eileen and a dear uncle and nephew.”
It added: “Lovingly remembered and dearly missed by his father, mother and his loving family.”
His funeral service will take place in St John’s Parish Church, Mullabrack, on Sunday at 2.30pm, followed by a private committal in the adjoining churchyard.
Several members of the McCallister family attended Markethill High School, which paid tribute.
Principal Colin Berry and vice principal Sarah Hargan said: “On behalf of the entire Markethill High School family, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the McCallister family following the loss of their dear son and brother, Daniel, who left us in 2022.
“The McCallister family are extremely well known in this area and there is much sadness and shock within the local community.
“We will continue to keep Mr and Mrs McCallister, Sarah, Jack, Kathryn and Samuel (all past pupils of MHS) in our thoughts and prayers at this very difficult time.”
Roads Inspector Cherith Adair from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “My detectives are investigating the circumstances of the collision and would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage which could assist with our enquiries.”
Meanwhile, police are appealing for information following the death of a man following a crash in Co Antrim.
Robert Lee, 49, from the Ballymoney area, was a car that was involved in a collision with a lorry on the Frosses Road in Ballymena at around 11.20pm on Thursday night.
Roads Inspector Cherith Adair, from the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit, said: “Officers from the Collision Investigation Unit are examining the circumstances of the collision, and would like to hear from witnesses, or anyone who may have captured dashcam or other footage, who may be able to assist with their inquiries.”