A young girl who died in an accident in Co Londonderry was a joy to teach, her school said today.
Caitlin-Rose McMullan (11) was struck by a car after exiting her school bus near Castledawson shortly after 4pm yesterday.
The young girl was rushed to hospital in Belfast following the accident, but passed away.
Caitlin-Rose was a first year pupil at St Pius X College in Magherafelt.
The school said this afternoon: “It was with profound sadness that we were informed this morning about the loss of one of our pupils.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with Caitlin-Rose’s mother and father, her brother, Shea, who is also a pupil at St. Pius X College, and the wider family circle during this incredibly difficult time.
“Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling.
“Her form teachers described her as ‘a joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature’. She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike.
“Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm.
“Caitlin Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.”
Very Rev John Gates, parish priest in Magherafelt, said the community has been left “distraught”.
“I haven’t been speaking to the family yet, but the community has once again been left devastated and distraught by a terrible family tragedy,” he said.
“The thoughts and prayers of everyone in this community are with the family.”
Education Minister Paul Givan said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the news.
“As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news,” Mr Givan said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident.
“I have spoken to the principal at St Pius X College and assured him of my support.”
A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said staff were “deeply shocked and saddened” by the latest tragedy.
“Our sincere condolences are with the family, friends, fellow pupils and staff at the school, and all those affected by this tragic incident,” they said.
“The EA’s critical incident response team are supporting the school during this difficult time and will provide emotional support to both students and staff.”
They said the family, school and wider community will need “time and space to grieve this unimaginable loss”.
The PSNI has appealed for witnesses to the accident to come forward.
Inspector Adair said: “There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene.
“I would ask anyone with footage not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to police through the Major Incident Public Portal. This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision.
“The Hillhead Road in Castledawson has reopened following this serious collision and our investigation continues.”
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call just before 4pm.
“NIAS despatched one emergency crew, a rapid response paramedic, and an ambulance officer. The charity air ambulance with HEMS on board were also tasked to the incident.
“Following assessment and initial treatment at the scene, one patient was taken to Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children by Ambulance.”
Local SDLP councillor Denise Johnston said it was the second tragedy to hit the Castledawson community in recent weeks.
“The community is in absolute shock at this tragedy,” she said.
“Our children are so precious to us, there is no pain greater than losing them. This is every parent’s worst nightmare and I cannot even imagine what they are going through at this time.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this girl and everyone who knew her. I know the good people of Castledawson will rally around them in the days and weeks ahead to support them as they come to terms with this devastating loss.”
She added: “It’s not the first time a similar accident has happened in this area.
“I can recall at least two other incidents of a similar nature.”
At the start of February Imogen Cleary-Vong (15), a pupil at St Mary’s Grammar School in Magherafelt, passed away in hospital after being reported missing in the water of Moyola River in Castledawson.
Ms Johnston added: “Just a few weeks ago this community was learning of the death of another young schoolgirl.
“To be here again in the midst of another family tragedy is hard to believe.”
Local Sinn Fein councillor Ian Milne said the community has been left in a “state of shock”.
“My heart goes out to the parents, family and friends of the young schoolgirl,” he said.
“The local Castledawson community are completely devastated at the loss of life of the young girl and I know the community will rally to support the bereaved family in whatever way they can.”
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News Catch Up – Tuesday 4 March