A community has been left “heartbroken” by the death of a 13-year-old boy after a crash involving a quad bike, his school has said.
The teenager has been named locally as Tiarnán Trainor.
He passed away in hospital after an accident on Thursday.
He is the first road death of 2025 in Northern Ireland.
Police said the incident involving a quad bike happened on the Low Road, Killeavy.
He was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital where he later died.
The teenager’s school, St Paul’s Bessbrook, said the community is heartbroken by the news of the death of its “esteemed pupil”.
“Tiarnán was a much loved and popular Year 10 pupil who was recently elected by his peers to serve on the Student Council. Tiarnán had an infectious personality and was well known throughout the school as a lorry fanatic,” a statement read.
“He took full part in last year’s ski trip and enjoyed a number of weeks last summer at Coláiste Mhuire Loch an Iúir in the Donegal Gaeltacht.
“The school oratory will be open tomorrow (Saturday) and on Sunday from 1pm – 4pm for any pupil and their family who wishes to come together, to remember Tiarnán and to mourn his loss together.
“Staff from the school’s care and welfare team will be present to support pupils.
“Following the return of pupils to school next week, the Education Authority’s Critical Incident Team, as well as school staff, will be available to help and support pupils at this very sad time.
“We extend our heartfelt sympathies to Tiarnán’s family, to his friends and to everyone who knew him.”
SDLP MLA Justin McNulty said: “We are all shocked by this terrible news, especially at this time of year.
“My sympathies and the sympathies of the entire Killeavy community are with the family.
“We are all devastated for the young boy’s mother and father.”
SDLP councillor Doire Finn said it was an “unspeakably sad tragedy”.
She added that her thoughts and prayers are with the family.