ROAD TRAGEDY 

‘My beautiful baby’ – Tragic first picture of ‘bubbly’ young woman, 24, killed in Down crash as Cllr dad pays tribute

A COUNCILLOR has paid a heartbreaking tribute to his daughter after she died in a horrific two-vehicle crash in Co Down yesterday evening.

Aoife Tinnelly, 24, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene of the collision, which took place shortly before 6:30pm on the Newry Road in Kilkeel.

Two other people were rushed to hospital for treatment of their injuries following the crash. The extent of their injuries is unknown at this time.

Aoife’s dad, Newry Mourne and Down Independent Councillor Jarlath Tinnelly, confirmed her death on social media earlier today.

In an emotional tribute to her, Tinnelly shared a picture of his girl on social media and wrote: “My beautiful baby Aoife 21/10/2001 – 20/04/2026.”

The local community in Kilkeel and the wider Mourne Mountains area have been left in shock following the tragedy, with dozens paying tribute to the tragic young woman.

Sinn Fein MLA Cathy Mason said: “I’m so sorry Jarlath, I know there will be no words to ease the pain. You will all be in my thoughts and prayers. May Aoife’s gentle soul rest in peace.”

DUP MLA Diane Forsyth added: “Absolutely heartbroken for you and the entire family circle Jarlath. My deepest condolences at this devastating time.”

Mourners have remembered Aoife as a “beautiful” and “bubbly” young woman.

One wrote: “Totally heartbreaking Jarlath thinking of you and entire family no words for this.

“I am so sorry for your loss Aoife was such a beautiful, young, fun-loving girl. May her gentle soul rest in peace.”

Another added: “Aoife was the most amazing, beautiful girl. She will be soo deeply missed!! The most caring person, Aoife was such a big part of our family through her role at First Steps, so blessed to have had a small bit of Aoife in our lives!”

A third said: “Aoife was a beautiful bubbly girl. So sorry for your loss. Thinking of you and the whole family circle.”

Kilbroney Integrated Primary School, where Aoife was previously a pupil, said staff are “absolutely heartbroken” by the news.

A staff member added: “We have the fondest memories of our treasured past pupil Aoife. Rest in peace Aoife”

Detective Inspector Stewart from the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit confirmed the crash involved a white Audi A1 and blue Mercedes-Benz.

Cops have launched a major investigation into the collision and urged anyone who may have information to come forward.

Det Insp Stewart said: “Officers alongside colleagues from other emergency services attended, however, sadly the woman was pronounced deceased at the scene.

“Two other people were taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries.

“The Newry Road, which was closed for a number of hours, has now fully re-opened to traffic.

“Our enquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or to anyone who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage that could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 1288 20/04/26.”

Separately, a 12-year-old child sustained serious injuries in a crash in Co Antrim yesterday.

The youngster was “knocked down” by a black Honda Civic car on the Prince William Road in Lisburn.

The road was closed for a time but has since reopened to motorists.

The PSNI has launched an investigation into the shocking incident.

A spokesperson for the force called on anyone with dashcam footage to share it with them.

A statement said: “Police in Lisburn are appealing for dashcam footage after a child was knocked down on Prince William Road on Monday, 20th April.

“The collision occurred at around 3.15pm and involved a black Honda Civic.

“The child, aged 12, sustained serious injuries which, at this time, are thankfully not thought to be life-threatening.

“The road was closed for a time but has since reopened to motorists.

“Anyone with relevant footage should contact police on 101, quoting reference 919 20/04/26.”