Tributes have been pouring in for 13-yr-old Lauren O’Brien, who lost her life in a tragic crash during a motor racing event in County Cork yesterday, reports RTE.
Lauren, a native of Tarelton village in west Cork, was participating alongside other junior drivers in a qualifying heat for a Cork Autograss Racing Club competition held at a racetrack in Castletown-Kinneigh, roughly 20km from Bandon.
Her vehicle, a buggy or specially modified car, was involved in an accident during the race, resulting in critical injuries, reports RTE.
Emergency services were alerted at 3.15pm yesterday, and within 15 minutes, a HSE air ambulance, an emergency department doctor, and an advanced paramedic were among the first responders to arrive.
Despite the rapid response and extensive efforts by the medical team, Lauren was declared dead at the scene, reports RTE.
She was a first-year student at McEgan College in Macroom.
Principal Trish Lynam expressed the deep sorrow felt by the school community following Lauren’s passing.
“From day one we recognised she was a special person. She was so full of life, a beautiful, kind-hearted, popular person with both her peers and her teachers,” she said, reports RTE.
Ms Lynam explained that within just a month of joining the school, Lauren had already been invited to help represent McEgan College during visits to primary schools and at the open evening for prospective students.
“She had that special quality that people look for in students,” reports RTE.
The school extended heartfelt sympathies to Lauren’s family and to the broader Tarelton community.
Ms Lynam noted Lauren’s pride in her involvement in motor racing. “It was only her second race but she was so, so proud being able to compete in this particular area,” reports RTE.
McEgan College reopened this afternoon for a three-hour session after convening its critical incident team.
“A lot of parents did accompany their child in because parents are struggling also. Its not something we’ve experienced for someone so young to be taken so quickly from us,” Ms Lynam said, reports RTE.
“We’ll do the same again tomorrow,” she said, with school psychologists scheduled to be on hand to support students, reports RTE.
Racing driver Hanna Celsie also expressed her condolences to Lauren’s loved ones.
In a Facebook post, she said: “My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young talented girl who sadly past away yesterday after an accident, racing at an event put on by Cork Autograss Racing Club. RIP”.
Sinn Féin Senator Nicole Ryan paid her respects in a message posted online, remembering Lauren by saying her “passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten”, reports RTE.
The Road Race Alliance of Ireland (RRAI), representing motorsport involving two- and three-wheeled vehicles, described Lauren as a courageous young racer who loved the sport.
“Her loss is unimaginable and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to her family, her friends, her fellow competitors and everyone who knew and loved her. When a tragedy like this happens it ripples through every paddock, every track, and every corner of the racing world. No matter what we all ride or drive, we all understand the love the risk and the heartbreak that comes with the sport. We send our love and strength to those mourning Lauren. May she rest in peace and forever race among the stars,” reports RTE.
A post-mortem examination is scheduled for tomorrow, while gardaà confirmed that investigations are ongoing, including a technical analysis of the racetrack.
They are asking anyone who was at the event and may have relevant information to come forward, reports RTE.
Gardaà also urged individuals who may possess phone footage or recordings from the event not to share them online but to submit them to investigators.
Those with any relevant details are encouraged to contact Bandon Garda Station at 023-8852200, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station, reports RTE.
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