Four young friends killed in Armagh road crash named as community left reeling from tragedy

The four, all aged in their 20s, had been travelling in a grey Volkswagen Golf, which was involved in a single-vehicle accident in the early hours of Sunday.

DUP MLA William Irwin told BBC Radio Ulster that the car hit a tree, with police confirming that the incident occurred on the Ballynahonemore Road at around 2.10am. All four reportedly died instantly.

Mr Irwin said it was a “shocking tragedy”. “Four young people have lost their lives,” said the Newry and Armagh representative. “My thoughts and my prayers are with the families at this time.

“It is most parents’ worst nightmares to get dreadful news that they’ve lost a child.”

Another source said that the area the young people crashed on is “a back-slip road, up a country lane near Armagh City FC’s Holm Park”.

“It wouldn’t be heavily used by traffic. I can’t imagine many people being on that road at that time of night,” they added.

Crime scene investigators and police officers attended the scene on Sunday morning to determine what caused the crash.

District Commander Superintendent Paul McGrattan said: “This is an unspeakable tragedy for the families involved, and for the wider community, who will understandably struggle to comprehend such loss of life.”

A spokesperson for the PSNI added that a “thorough and sensitive investigation” is now under way and anyone with information that could assist police has been asked to get in touch with the collision investigation unit.

“The thoughts of the entire Police Service are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives.”

Sinn Féin councillor Bróna Haughey shared her thoughts and prayers with the families of the four young people, who were all local to the Armagh region.

“My heart goes out to all those involved with this tragedy,” she said.

It is understood that Ms Crilly is survived by her young son, mother, and two brothers.

Her father, Jason Crilly, died in 2021 at the age of 48.

A funeral notice for Mr Morrison states that he was the “beloved son of Alwyn and Lisa, loving brother of Denise, Georgina, Emily and Melanie, stepson of Christine Wright”.

Funeral arrangements are to be made at a later date.

Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly said she was “shocked and saddened to hear the tragic news of another serious accident and the deaths of four people”.

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan said the entire community has been left “stunned and heartbroken” by the news.

“I want to extend my deepest sympathy to the family and friends of all those involved in this tragic accident,” he said.

“We will all rally around to support these families in what will be difficult days ahead.”

Another man lost his life in a crash in Newry on Saturday night.

It is understood the victim was a pedestrian, aged in his 40s, and was hit by a car at around 10.40pm.

The man was hospitalised but died from his injuries a short time later. The ­Forkhill Road was closed for a number of hours.

Newry and Armagh MLA Liz Kimmins said: “This is heartbreaking news for the man’s family and friends, and also the wider community.

“I want to extend my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the man, and offer them my full support.”

TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe said there is “profound shock” in the community following the two tragedies.

“I offer the sympathy of my party and myself to the loved ones left behind,” he said. “I trust the police investigation will get to the bottom of what exactly took place.

“Regardless of the circumstances, however, these tragic accidents are a sobering reminder of the need for care on our roads.”