News

Derry woman killed in Donegal road accident named as Amy Loughrey (25)

Amy Loughrey who was killed in a fatal crash in Co Donegal as she was returning to her home across the border from her work at the Red Door Restaurant in Fahan 
Amy Loughrey who was killed in a fatal crash in Co Donegal as she was returning to her home across the border from her work at the Red Door Restaurant in Fahan  Amy Loughrey who was killed in a fatal crash in Co Donegal as she was returning to her home across the border from her work at the Red Door Restaurant in Fahan 

A YOUNG Derry woman killed in a road accident in Co Donegal has been named as Amy Loughrey from the city’s Waterside area.

Ms Loughrey (25) was returning from work at the Red Door restaurant in Fahan when she was involved in a two-car collision on the main Derry to Buncrana road around 11pm on Thursday.

It is understood Ms Loughrey died at the scene.

A Garda spokesman said the accident occurred at Glebe, Fahan.

“The second driver, a male (20 years old) was injured and taken to Letterkenny University Hospital. His injuries are believed to be non life-threatening. There were no passengers in either cars,” he said.

From Seven Oaks in Derry’s Waterside, Ms Loughrey also worked as a language tutor on summer schools at the city’s Foyle International language school.

Confirming her death, a spokesman for the school said everyone shared the tragic news.

“Amy Loughrey will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with her family and friends,” he said.

The Red Door restaurant also closed on Friday as a mark of respect to Ms Loughrey.

“We are in the process of contacting all those with bookings and thank you in advance for your understanding," a spokesman said.

"Our thoughts are with the family of our dear colleague and friend.”

Derry priest, Fr Michael Canny, who visited the family home late on Thursday, said he was greeted with a scene of devastation.

Fr Canny said family members were “de-Christmasing” the home, removing Christmas decorations in preparation for the return of Ms Loughrey’s body.

“It’s about the saddest situation one can have at this time,” he said.

Fr Canny said the family had been overtaken by a “terrible, tragic” event.

“Her mother and sister were waiting for her to come home from work when the doorbell rang. It was a PSNI officer and he told them the bad news,” he said.

Waterside Sinn Féin councillor, Christopher Jackson, who knew Ms Loughrey’s family, said the news had shocked everyone in the area.

“It’s always terrible to hear about news like this but it seems even more tragic to hear about it so close to Christmas,” he said.

His party colleague, Raymond McCartney MLA offered his condolences.

“A death on the road is tragic at any time of the year but it is all the more poignant at Christmas. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of this woman at this sad time,” Mr McCartney said.

Ms Loughrey’s funeral will take place from her home to St Columb’s church, Waterside on St Stephen’s Day for Requiem Mass at 11am.