By Dionne Meehan

A YOUNG mother and her six-year-old daughter who tragically lost their lives in a two-vehicle collision in Carndonagh last Wednesday will be laid to rest in their hometown today (Monday).

Natalie McLaughlin (20s) and her daughter Ella McLaughlin, from Pound Street in Carndonagh, were travelling with two other family members when their car collided with a van on the R240 at Carrowmore, Glentogher.

Ella was pronounced dead at the scene while the other three occupants of the car, her mother Natalie, her father Tyrone and her baby sister Rhea-Rose, were removed to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry for treatment.

Natalie, who worked as a nurse in a local doctor’s surgery, was later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast but succumbed to her injuries on Thursday evening.

Her daughter Rhea-Rose and partner Tyrone continue to be treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

On the night of the tragedy, Carndonagh Parish Priest, Rev Con McLaughlin rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital to support the well-known, local family.

He spoke of the harrowing scenes he witnessed that fateful night.

“The scene in A&E is something that I will not forget,” Rev McLaughlin told the Donegal News.

“Everybody was trying to preserve life.”

He watched on as medics prepared to transfer Natalie to Belfast for treatment. She was in a deep coma and unaware her eldest daughter had passed away.

Her youngest daughter, Rhea-Rose, who is just 18 months old, was in the next cubicle.

Rev McLaughlin said her circumstances would ‘take a tear from a stone’.

He chose to speak openly about that night, hoping to shed light on the immense pain and suffering the family are going through.

Today, hundreds are expected to attend the deeply cherished mother and daughter’s requiem Mass which is taking place at 12pm in the Sacred Heart Church, Carndonagh.

Following Mass, the pair will be laid to rest in the adjoining cemetery.

SUPPORT

In the days since the tragedy, the local community have rallied together to support the McLaughlin family by setting up a fundraiser, which has raised over €25,000 in less than 24 hours.

The fundraiser was set up to show the community’s heartfelt love, support and solidarity with the family during the challenging days ahead.

While no words can ease the pain the family are experiencing right now, the Inishowen community hopes that their collective kindness and generosity can provide some comfort and practical support.

Meanwhile, waves of heartfelt tributes have been pouring  in for the beloved mother and daughter.

Shannon Irwin, Tyrone’s twin sister, said: “Natalie and Ella, I love you both so much. I hope you are both flying high with the angels. Tyrone just loved you both so much. His life and our life will never be the same.”

Ms Irwin continued by thanking the local community for all the support the family have received during this difficult time.

St. Patrick’s Girls’ National School in Carndonagh paid tribute to little Ella, who was in senior infants, and her mother Natalie, who was a past pupil.

“Ella was a joyful and much-loved pupil in our school,” a post on social media read.

“Ella will be remembered not only for her kindness, energy, and the happiness she brought to her classmates and teachers, but also for being a real mischievous character that was full of life and fun.

“Ella had a wonderful sense of humour and a sparkle that lifted every room she walked into, bringing great joy to those around her.

“Ella made a lasting impression on all of us and will be deeply missed.”

Since learning of the tragedy, the school has activated their Critical Incident Management Plan.

Psychologists from the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) have been attending the school to support and advise staff in the aftermath of the tragedy.

They have been working sensitively with parents and children to help them begin to understand and process this heart-breaking loss in a way that is age-appropriate and will continue to do so over the coming days and weeks ahead.

Elite Dance Academy in Carndonagh, where Ella was a member of the Funky Kidz group, has closed their doors as a mark of respect following the tragic collision.

“Elite Dance Academy will remain closed as we come to terms with our devastating loss,” a post on social media said.

“Ella was our little firecracker dancing with our Funky Kidz in Carndonagh.

“We loved to see her and her granny on a Friday as she ran up the stairs to dance class, the connection they had was beautiful.

“She had her granny wrapped around her little finger with a little cuddle or two before class started.”

They described Ella as a vibrant character, who left a mark on everyone she met.

“With her cheeky little smile and side eye look to let us know she was listening in class, you couldn’t help but smile back at her every time.

“Ella was only young but she was the most determined little lady who knew exactly what she wanted.”

APPEAL

Investigating gardaí continue to appeal to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

“Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were travelling in the area between 6pm and 6.30pm on Wednesday evening, July 2, 2025 are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí,” a garda spokesperson said.

“Anyone with information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station at 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”