The funeral of an 11-year-old girl, who was killed after being hit by a car as she got off a school bus in Co Derry, will take place this weekend.
Caitlin-Rose McMullan, a pupil at St Pius X College in Magherafelt, was struck by the vehicle on Hillhead Road in Castledawson shortly after 4pm on Wednesday, March 5.
The “bubbly and caring” young girl will be laid to rest on Sunday, March 9 following Requiem Mass in the Church of St Mary, Bellaghy, at 2.30pm. The cortege will leave the family home on Broagh Road, close to where the tragedy unfolded, an hour before the service begins.
A family notice reads: “Beloved daughter of Colm and Stella and dear sister of Shéa, granddaughter of Mehall & Kate and Rosemary & Clement.
“Forever loved by her dad, mum, brother, grandparents and all the McMullan and McGinn families and their extended family circle and friends.”
Staff at her school, which Caitlin’s brother Shea who also attends, expressed “profound sadness” at the loss of the first year pupil.
“Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling,” a statement read.
“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.”
Education Minister Paul Givan said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by the tragedy while local parish priest Very Rev John Gates said the community has been left “distraught”.
Caitlin-Rose was rushed to hospital in Belfast following the accident, but sadly died from her injuries. A PSNI investigation into the serious collision is ongoing.
Police this week said that they believe there was a large crowd in the area at the time and asked people not to share footage of the incident on social media.
Anyone with any information, dash-cam footage or images taken at the scene can also call on 101, quoting reference number 1038 05/03/25. A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport
The Major Incident Public Portal can be accessed here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U07-PO2.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.
English (United States) ·