Tributes paid to tragic 12 year old killed in Newry crash

12 year old Nicole Fegan was killed in a crash in Newry on Saturday. She was a passenger in a beach buggy which collided with a pick up truck on the Flagstaff Road. Another girl on the buggy, who's 14, is being treated in hospital for a broken leg.

Numerous tributes have been paid to the youngster who was well known in South Down area.

Her former Primary School, St Patrick's in Mayobridge, said on Facebook they were 'heartbroken' to learn of her sudden death:

"As educators we are fortunate to teach many wonderful children but Nicole was such a special girl. We have memories of her kindness and her willingness to contribute to the life of the school through her musical ability, her sporting talents, her desire to do her best at all times and her beautiful smile.

"We offer our heartfelt condolences to her loving family."

And there was a similar message from her current school Our Lady's Grammar in Newry.

Nicole was also heavily involved with the GAA in South Down - playing Camogie, football and handball. A book of condolence has been opened in Mayobridge GAC social club.

Local SDLP Gillian Fitzpatrick knew Nicole well and said the small village is "grief-stricken" and "numb" in the face of the tragedy.

"She was a bright wee girl. Very quiet, but was probably great fun when she was with her friends. She was quietly spoken, well-mannered and pleasant girl. She had just started her first year in her new school and with all the new challenges, I would say she just would have relished them.

"She just had a kind heart and was a beautiful child."

"We're just going to have to rally round and look after each other and look after her family and her friends and all the people of our community."

"We'll be there whenever the family needs us, whenever her friends need us. We will help the family through this in whatever way we possibly can as a good community should and which we are.