FRIENDS of the Co Antrim woman killed in a quad bike tragedy alongside her young daughter last night said she was an "amazing mother who adored her children".
Devastated pals of Clare Smyth (nee Dobbin) described how she "lived life to the fullest" as they tried to take in the enormity of the heartbreaking news.
Mrs Smyth and her three-year-old daughter Bethany died at the scene of the crash, just yards from their home near Ballycastle on Tuesday.
It is believed Mrs Smyth was the driver of the quad, which was involved in a collision with a tractor on the Whitepark Road, the main Causeway coastal route.
Reports have suggested the quad had come to the entrance of the family farm and Mrs Smyth and her daughters had been waving to the driver of a passing tractor just seconds before the tragedy happened.
It is understood Mrs Smyth's husband Ryan, a dairy farmer, was on the scene within minutes of the heartbreaking drama unfolding.
Their eldest daughter Hannah (5) was also injured in the crash.
She was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast after emergency crews rushed to the scene at around 4.45pm.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it despatched two rapid response paramedics, three emergency crews, one doctor and two ambulance officers to the incident.
The PSNI and Coastguard helicopter were also involved in the response.
The little girl injured is believed to have undergone surgery yesterday and remains in hospital.
Prayers were last night being said for the family, who were well-known in the local community.
Mrs Smyth, who was in her 30s and originally from Bushmills, had attended a local mother and toddlers group, which last night urged people to pray for the family.
Bushmills Presbyterian Church said: "Our love and deepest sympathy is extended to Ryan Smyth in the loss of Clare and little Bethany.
"Please continue to pray for Hannah in hospital. Clare, Bethany and Hannah attended our Bush Tots group.
"We also extend sincere sympathy to Eleanor Dobbin who attended our Young at Heart group, in the loss of her daughter.
"Words seem inadequate but we assure the whole family of our prayers."
Friends of the family have written of their devastation on social media and urged others to pray for Hannah's recovery.
One friend said "Clare and Ryan lived life to the fullest and absolutely adored their girls. Hannah still fighting for her life.
"Keep praying everyone she gets home to her Daddy. He needs her more than ever."
Another tribute described the couple as "doting parents", while another friend said "Claire was an amazing girl, mother, wife, daughter and sister".
"She adored her children. I've just no words, I'm so sorry for all her family affected by such a tragic loss," said the friend.
"I'm sure all of us who knew Claire will be affected by her and Bethany's passing.
"Praying life into Hannah and she recovers and that the Lord will carry Ryan and all her family through this awful, awful time."
Sinn Féin councillor Cara McShane said the community were shocked and saddened by the tragedy.
"People are still reeling and trying to come to terms with this devastating tragedy," she said.
"The community is numb with grief. Typically the B15 would be a busy coastal route at this time of year.
"However, the roads have been much quieter with the current health crisis.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone affected at this time and we pray that the little girls recovers."
TUV leader Jim Allister said it had "cast a deep pall of sorrow over the entire area".
"My heart goes out to the Smyth and Dobbin families and urge that we keep them close in our thoughts and prayers," he said.
"I know the Smyth family and was just recently assisting with a constituency issue.
"With having a grand-daughter the same age as the precious child that was lost, I can only begin to imagine the inconsolable loss they are suffering.
"Ryan’s loss of his beloved wife and child in the one incident, and the serious injury of his other daughter, is nigh beyond comprehension.
"My thoughts are also with the tractor driver and his family. This will be a very difficult time for them too."
SDLP councillor Margaret Anne McKillop said: "The loss of a young mother and her daughter in a road traffic collision is absolutely devastating news.
"Any loss of life is always tragic, but particularly more difficult when children are involved."
