Northern Ireland

Pedestrian killed in Westlink crash will be 'sorely missed'

Ben Lowry (20) was killed after being struck by a car on the Westlink at the weekend
Ben Lowry (20) was killed after being struck by a car on the Westlink at the weekend Ben Lowry (20) was killed after being struck by a car on the Westlink at the weekend

A MAN has died after a crash involving two vehicles in Co Antrim.

The incident happened at Ballyutoag Road in Crumlin at about 7am on Tuesday.

Several roads in the area were closed for a period yesterday.

Police Inspector Marty Mullan confirmed that one man had died.

He said enquiries were continuing and appealed for anyone with any information or who witnessed the incident and may have dash-cam footage available contact police.

Meanwhile, a 20-year-old man who died after being struck by a car on the Westlink in Belfast will be "sorely missed".

The man, named locally as Ben Lowry, a bricklayer from Newtownabbey, died after a collision between Divis Street and Grosvenor Road shortly after midnight on Sunday.

The Westlink has a speed limit of 50mph and is one of the busiest routes in Northern Ireland.

Mr Lowry's brother Ryan told friends on social media that he was heartbroken by the "nightmare".

"Words have failed me (over) the last few days but all I can say is thank you to everyone for their support," he wrote on Facebook.

A keen angler, Mr Lowry was a lifelong member of Three Mile Water Conservation and Angling Association in Newtownabbey.

The association said Mr Lowry was "well respected".

"He will be sorely missed by us all," it said.

PSNI Inspector Anne McCourt appealed for information about the crash.

She asked anyone who was driving on the Westlink between 12.30am - 12.50am on Sunday to contact police on 101.

Mr Lowry's funeral will be held in Roselawn Crematorium on Saturday December 21 at 2pm.

He is survived by his parents Brian and Erna and brother Ryan.

The family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be made to Northern Ireland Hospice.