Tributes have been paid to a young hairdresser who tragically died after being hit by a police car at the weekend.
Rebecca Browne, 21, had been returning home from a night out at 3.15am on Sunday, May 21, when she was struck by the Garda vehicle outside Buncrana in Co Donegal, Northern Ireland. It is understood Ms Browne, known to be part of a well-known family in Derry, had been visiting the area for a weekend away with friends.
She sadly died at the scene, which was quickly preserved for a full forensic examination, reports the Irish Mirror. The incident has been referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) as the collision involved a Garda car.
Following the tragedy, it has been reported Ms Browne was a hairdresser at Sage Hair and Beauty based in Derry City. 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.
Don't miss the latest news from around Scotland and beyond - Sign up to our daily newsletter here.
