A teenage boy who tragically lost his life after being hit by a vehicle during a collision at the Donegal International Rally on Saturday has been identified by Gardaí. Tadhg Callaghan Carter, 15, was fatally injured and two others were hurt at location 15 on special stage 12 Gartan, when a vehicle left the road and ploughed into spectators at a left-hand bend. The youngster was transported by ambulance from the scene to Letterkenny University Hospital after emergency services responded to “an incident involving a
participating car,” where he was subsequently pronounced dead. Two additional spectators are receiving hospital care for injuries that are not life-threatening. In a statement released on Saturday, Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club expressed being “deeply saddened” by the incident and called off the rest of the three-day event as a mark of respect, reports the Mirror . Tadhg’s school, Saint Euan’s College, shared a heartfelt tribute to the late pupil on Sunday, noting that “his loss will be felt deeply by his classmates, friends,
teachers, and everyone who knew him”. In a message posted on social media, the school stated: “It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that our school community learns of the sudden and tragic passing of our student, Tadhg Callaghan-Carter. “Tadhg had just completed his Junior Cert examinations and was preparing to enter Fifth Year this coming September. “He was a deeply valued and popular member of our school community, and his loss will be felt deeply by his classmates, friends, teachers, and everyone
who knew him. “We extend our deepest, most heartfelt condolences to Tadhg’s parents, brother, sisters, extended family and his wide circle of friends at this time of unimaginable grief. Our thoughts, prayers, and support are with them all. “May his gentle soul rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.” The school confirmed it will reopen tomorrow at 11am to provide support for students, parents, staff and the wider local community. Motorsport Ireland, the national governing body for four-wheeled motorsport, has confirmed
that it, alongside Gardaí, has launched “a full investigation into the circumstances of the accident”. Both authorities are aware that video footage of the incident is being shared on social media and have urged the public to refrain from circulating it. The three-day rally is billed as “one of the toughest rally challenges there is for drivers and teams”. Competitors take on 20 stages along the north-west coastline of the county. According to organisers, the event draws over 70,000 spectators, with nearly 400,000 watching the
rally through television and online broadcasts. Want to see more of the stories you love from RSVP? To add RSVP as a preferred source of news on Google, simply click here .
Donegal International Rally, Tadhg Callaghan Carter, Gardaí, Motorsport Ireland, spectators injured, Letterkenny University Hospital, investigation, Saint Euan's College