Tributes have been paid to a young hairdresser who died tragically after she was struck by a Garda car in the early hours of yesterday.
The victim, who has been named locally as Rebecca Browne, 21, was returning from a night out while away with friends when the horror happened just outside Buncrana in Co Donegal.
It is understood Ms Browne, who was from a well-known family in Derry city, had been staying in Ludden, Buncrana, close to where she was killed in a road traffic accident.
READ MORE: Young woman, 21, killed after being struck by Garda car in Donegal named locally
It is understood that Ms Browne worked at Sage Hair and Beauty based on the Spencer Road in Derry city.
Ms Browne was returning from a function at a local hotel in Buncrana when she was struck by a Garda car at approximately 3.15am. The exact circumstances of the collision are not yet known.
The victim died at the scene which was quickly preserved for a full forensic examination.
Gardai immediately set up a forensic tent as forensic examiners arrived on the scene at first light.
The official marked Garda car involved in the incident had damage to the bonnet.
Ms Browne’s body was removed from the scene and taken to hospital later for a post mortem but the road last night remained closed as the forensic examination of the scene continued.
The incident was referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) as the collision involved a Garda car.
Local county councillor Jack Murray said that the town was in shock after waking up to news of the tragedy. He said: “The whole town is in shock after yet another tragedy in the area.
“It was terrible to wake up to the news that somebody had lost their life but when you heard it was a young woman and in such
circumstances then that makes it even more tragic. The thoughts and prayers of the community are with this young woman and her family.
“You also have to think of whoever was driving the car and what they are going through. The entire incident is just so tragic.”
The area where Ms Browne was struck is not covered by street lighting as it is outside of the town boundary.
Buncrana is popular with visitors from nearby Derry just across the border and many have second homes there.
The scene where yesterday morning’s tragedy occurred is close to the entrance for Ludden Beach, between the local Applegreen Service Station and the entrance roundabout into Buncrana.
Friends of the tragic woman have been leaving messages of sympathy on social media.
Allie McGarrigle wrote: “Always giving us a laugh I don’t know how I’ll do it without you becca...please give us all the strength in these coming days and forever. My hardest goodbye”
Erin Maguire wrote: “My gorgeous best friend Braon Leah Rebecca I don’t honestly know what I’m going to do without you or how I’m going to get through this my heart is broken I’ve lost my right arm.”
And Ella Townsend posted: “My hearts sore, love you so much. Our angel.”
The Mayor of Derry, Sinn Fein councillor Sandra Duffy, called for a full investigation into the tragedy.
She said: “My immediate thoughts are with the family and friends of the young woman who has died after being struck by a Garda car near Buncrana on Sunday morning.
“This is a tragedy and the shock and heartbreak of this terrible incident will be felt across the community.
“There must be a full and thorough investigation and I would appeal to anyone with information to bring it forward.”
Garda watchdog body GSOC last night said its officers were investigating the crash after it was referred to them as a Garda car was involved.
A spokeswoman said: “GSOC received a referral from An Garda Síochána this morning, 21 May 2023, following a road traffic incident in Donegal in the early hours.
“The referral was made by a Garda Chief Superintendent under section 102(1) of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005.
“The matter is now under examination by GSOC further to section 91 of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005. As such, no further comment will be made at this time.”
Section 102(1) of the Garda Síochána Act, 2005 provides for the referral to GSOC by An Garda Síochána of “any matter that appears…to indicate that the conduct of a member of the Garda may have resulted in the death of... a person.”
Meanwhile, Gardai are appealing for anyone with information to contact Buncrana Garda station on 074 932 0540 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
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