The son of a 75-year-old woman who died following a crash in Co Tyrone has said a “bright light has gone out in our family” following the tragedy.
The victim, named as Patricia McGarvey from Castlederg, died in hospital after a three-vehicle collision outside the town on Wednesday afternoon.
The mother-of-three and grandmother was driving a red Vauxhall Corsa when it was involved in a collision with a blue Audi A3 and a silver MG HS Excite in the Strabane Road area shortly before 2.10pm.
The crash happened between the junctions with Listymore Road and Dunrevan Road.
Emergency services arrived at the scene, and first-aid was provided to Ms McGarvey before she was taken to hospital by Air Ambulance.
A PSNI spokesperson confirmed Ms McGarvey died in hospital, and said two others involved in the collision sustained non-life threatening injuries.
”A full investigation into the circumstances surrounding what occurred is ongoing,” they said.
”The Collision Investigation Unit at Sprucefield would appeal to anyone with information or who may have dash-cam or phone footage to contact them via 101, quoting reference number 780 12/06/24.”
In a Facebook post, Ms McGarvey’s son Paul spoke of his family’s anguish following their loss.
“A bright light has went out in our family,” he wrote.
“The bravest and strongest person I have ever known. Our lives will never be the same.”
He added: “I love you mammy. We all love you.”
Derry City and Strabane Sinn Féin councillor Ruairí McHugh, who represents the Derg area and is a friend of the McGarvey family, told the Irish News the tragedy had left many in Castlederg heartbroken.
“People are just numb - you stop anyone in the street and the first thing they’ll mention is Patricia,” he said.
“She was a very popular person, a wonderful friend to many, and she was devoted to her family, her two sons who still live here in the town, her daughter who lives in Canada, and her grandchildren.
“Patricia was originally from the Donemana area, but lived here in Castlederg for over 50 years. She sadly lost her husband Patsy back in 2015. This is a tragic loss for the community here, and Patricia will be sorely missed.
“Our hearts go out to her loved ones, and the community will offer all the support we can at this difficult time.”
