A FUNDRAISING page is being set up to support the widow of an American tourist killed in a road crash near the Dark Hedges while on honeymoon.
Michael Munroe (31) from Orange, Connecticut, suffered fatal injuries in a two-car collision in Armoy last Tuesday.
He had been visiting the tree-lined avenue made famous by its appearance in the popular Game Of Thrones television series with his wife Caroline, after their wedding last year.
But the couple, who had been visiting popular Northern Ireland tourist attractions during their honeymoon, were involved in a collision on the Gracehill Road.
Mrs Munroe was hospitalised following the crash, but was later discharged.
Her mother Aileen McKenna and brother Will Braaksma issued a statement thanking emergency services for their support following the crash.
They said: “We are heartbroken over the loss of our sweet Michael Monroe. Michael and Caroline were on their honeymoon, a dream trip they planned and saved for, a year after their July 2017 wedding. They were having a wonderful time loving this beautiful country.
“Our tragic loss has been eased by the kindness and support of so many Irish people. We thank the neighbours and first responders at the accident scene, and the staff at both Causeway Coast & Glens and Altnagelvin Hospital."
Following the tragedy, Mrs Munroe received support from a Derry group for people bereaved by road deaths.
The group, Life After, shared a photograph of Mr Munroe and explained how they had been supporting his heartbroken widow.
In a statement, they said: "It is with a very heavy heart that we, the members of the Life After Family are placing this post today.
"Last Tuesday, Michael and Caroline Monroe, from Connecticut in the USA, were visiting the Dark Hedges in Armoy, and during the trip, their vehicle was involved in an RTC, sadly resulting in Michael's (Mike) death.
"The couple were visiting Ireland for their honeymoon and this tragedy has left everyone involved with helping them numb.
"Life After has been involved with ensuring that the family receive immediate support with the services we offer.
"We have been with Caroline, who since the accident has been hospitalised due to her own injuries, we have also been supporting Caroline's mum and brother who have flown in to be with her at this difficult time, which has given them the reassurance they need that someone cares.
The group said it was establishing a Go Fund Me page to help Mr Munroe's family cover the costs of his repatriation, which is due to be launched later this week.
They added that Mr Munroe would "never be forgotten in this beautiful country". For further information, please visit Life After on Facebook.
