Caitlin-Rose McMullan, an outgoing and bubbly 11-year-old, died after she was hit by a car after getting off her school bus one afternoon. Although Caitlin-Rose was rushed to the hospital, she died from her injuries. She was a first-year student at St. Pius X College in Magherafelt in Northern Ireland. The school shared the news of her death on the its Facebook page. “It was with profound sadness that we were informed this morning about the loss of one of our pupils,” the statement began.
“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,” the statement continued.
People who knew Caitlin-Rose described the preteen as someone who was always smiling and was popular among her peers, according to the Belfast Telegraph. In addition to the approval from her classmates, Caitlin-Rose was also a bright student. “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.”
The school shared that any children deeply affected by Caitlin-Rose’s untimely passing will have access to support from staff and other professionals. According to the Very Rev. John Gates, the community might need it.
“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. Last month, Imogen Cleary-Vong, a 15-year-old student at St. Mary’s Grammar School also in Magherafelt, was reported missing in the Moyola River in Castledawson. She was found, but died at the hospital.
“The community is in absolute shock at this tragedy,” local councilor Denise Johnston said. “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 … 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.”
Authorities are looking for the person responsible for the crash that took place on Hillhead Road. They are also imploring witnesses to come forward with any information they may have. “There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene,” Inspector Adair said. “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.”
