Teenage road accident victim, Kian Dawson was due to start training for a career as a barber, his school has revealed.
Kian (16), from Carnhill in Derry, died when the car he was travelling in was involved in a single-vehicle accident on Saturday night close to Quigley’s Point in Inishowen, Co Donegal.
The Derry teenager’s 20-year-old cousin, who was driving the car, remains in a critical condition at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
A keen footballer, Kian played with local Derry club, Don Bosco’s and also Culmore Youth FC. Both clubs paid tribute to the teenager.
In a social media post, Don Bosco’s described the sixteen-year-old as an integral part of the club.
“Our hearts are sore today. We awoke this morning to the sad news that young Kian Dawson, a player in our 2007 group since the age of five, had sadly passed after a road traffic accident,” it said in a statement.
Culmore Youth FC said Kian had just recently started playing with the club.
“We will miss his energy, his drive and the positive spirit he brought to our team. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this incredibly difficult time,” he said.
Principal of St Columb’s college, Caroline McLaughlin said Kian, a Year 12 pupil, was “deeply respected” by classmates and teachers alike. She also revealed the teenager had planned to pursue a career as a barber.
“Kian was a keen footballer as well as an engaging and popular pupil whose personality meant he made friends easily. It should come as no surprise, therefore, to learn that he had a large circle of friends.
“Kian was about to embark on his chosen career of barbering for which he developed a talent his year,” Ms McLaughlin said.
The funeral of the 16-year-old will take place on Thursday August 29 at 10.30 in St Brigid’s Church in Carnhill. Interment will take place afterwards in St Mary’s Cemetery, in Ardmore.
The funeral notice for the teenager said he was the beloved son of Emmett and Fiona, loving brother of Abaígael.
