Northern Ireland

Sinéad Stewart: Pregnant 27-year-old dies suddenly at her home

Sinéad Stewart has died suddenly at her home outside Ballycastle, Co Antrim
Sinéad Stewart has died suddenly at her home outside Ballycastle, Co Antrim Sinéad Stewart has died suddenly at her home outside Ballycastle, Co Antrim

A PREGNANT woman has died suddenly in Co Antrim.

 It is understood Sinéad Stewart died in a tragic accident following a chip pan fire at her home outside Ballycastle. 

The 27-year-old from Ballycastle, who was married with a young daughter, was four months pregnant with her second child.

The small fire is believed to have broken out at the house at Whitepark Road, around two miles from the seaside town, at around 5.30pm yesterday.

Paramedics attended the scene. However Mrs Stewart was later pronounced dead.

The death is not being treated as suspicious. Police said it was a "tragic accident".

Ballycastle independent councillor Padraig McShane said Mrs Stewart's death had stunned the town.

"It would appear that a number of unfortunate factors have conspired to end this young lady's life," he said.

"The detail of the tragedy will be revealed in the fullness of time but at present, on behalf of the local community, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the deceased."

Ulster Unionist councillor Joan Baird also extended her sympathies to Mrs Stewart's family.

"It's just so tragic for the family," she said. "My deepest sympathies and the sympathies of the community are with the family at this time.

"We have a very close-knit community in Ballycastle and I am sure that everyone will help the family as they try and come to terms with this tragedy."

SDLP councillor Margaret Anne McKillop said there was a "sense of utter shock and horror in the community here".

"My thoughts and prayers are with the young woman’s family and friends at this devastating time," she said.

"I can’t imagine what they’re going through. It’s just the worst news you could receive.

"I know the community here will rally round them at this incredibly difficult time."

Sinn Féin councillor Cara McShane said the town "has been left reeling from the news".

"The victim of tonight’s tragedy is a young mother, who was also expecting her second child, and her family are well known in the local area in what is a tight-knit community," she said.

"I have extended my condolences to the family of the victim and I know that people in the local community will rally round to support her husband, child and wider family circle in the difficult days ahead."

TUV leader Jim Allister tweeted: "Very sad news from Ballycastle this evening of death in a fire of a young woman. Condolences to all affected."