School pay heartbreaking tribute to girl, 11, killed hit by car as she got off school bus
AN 11-YEAR-old girl who died after being hit by a car while getting off a school bus has been named as tributes pour in.
The girl, named by her school as Caitlin-Rose McMullan, was tragically struck down by a vehicle at 4pm on Wednesday in County Londonderry, Northern Ireland.
The youngster was a pupil at St Pius X College in Magherafelt, who paid an emotional tribute to her following the horror.
A statement read: "It was with profound sadness that we were informed this morning about the loss of one of our pupils.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Caitlin-Rose's mother and father, her brother, Shea, who is also a pupil at St. Pius X College, and the wider family circle during this incredibly difficult time.
"Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling. Her form teachers described her as ‘a joy to teach’ due to her kind and fun-loving nature.
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"She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike."
It continued: "Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm.
"Caitlin-Rose's friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.
"We acknowledge, and are very grateful for, the support both staff and students have received from the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team at this very challenging time.
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"May Caitlin-Rose’s gentle soul rest in Heavenly Peace."
SDLP Moyola councillor Denise Johnston also paid tribute and added: “We are so very saddened by the news that another young girl from Castledawson has died. The community is in absolute shock at this tragedy.
“Our children are so precious to us, there is no pain greater than losing them. This is every parent’s worst nightmare and I cannot even imagine what they are going through at this time.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this girl and everyone who knew her. I know the good people of Castledawson will rally around them in the days and weeks ahead to support them as they come to terms with this devastating loss.”
This comes after a "large number of people" were witnesses to the collision, on Hillhead Road, and cops urged anyone with footage to come forward.
The Police Service of Northern Ireland Inspector Adair has also warned the public not to share any videos of the collision scene on social media.
Inspector Adair said: "There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene.
"I would ask anyone with footage not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to police through the Major Incident Public Portal.
"This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision.
"The Hillhead Road has reopened following this serious collision and our investigation continues.
"Anyone with any information, dash-cam footage or images taken at the scene can also call on 101, quoting reference number 1038 05/03/25."
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Reports can also be submitted to the non-emergency reporting form online at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport.
The Major Incident Public Portal can be accessed at mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U07-PO2.
