Northern Ireland

Police release photo of woman killed in Co Antrim crash as they re-issue appeal for information

Eileen Thornton (44) was from the Glarryford area

Eileen Thorton died in a road crash near Ballymena
Eileen Thorton died in a road crash near Ballymena

Police have released a photograph of the woman killed in a road crash in Co Antrim earlier this week.

Eileen Thornton (44) from the Glarryford area died following a single-vehicle collision on the Cushendall Road, near Ballymena on Tuesday evening.

Ms Thornton was taken to hospital, but passed away later.

A death notice said she was the “much loved” daughter of David and the late Angela and the “loving sister” of Gareth and Gregory and wider family circle.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.

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Releasing a photograph of Ms Thorton on Thursday, police re-issued their appeal for information.

“The Police Service of Northern Ireland’s collision investigation unit continues to appeal to anyone who may have any information which may assist with our investigation, or who may have been travelling in the area at the time and captured any dash-cam or other footage, to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 1515 03/09/24.”



The tragedy is the second death on Northern Ireland’s roads this week.

Tributes were posted online earlier this week to Ms Thornton, with many people writing of the shock and devastation following her tragic death.

One friend wrote: “Devastating news to hear, I’ve known her for years thoughts are with her father Davy and her brothers Gregory and Garth and the rest of the family circle rest in peace Eileen”.

Another said: “Devastating news to hear, can’t take it in I’ve known her since she was a wee girl, I lived beside her. Thinking of all the family and family circle at such a tragic time.”

UUP councillor Alan Barr said: “Within a 24 hour period, we are wakening up to another tragedy on our roads.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the woman’s family, friends and the emergency services who attended the scene.”