Police have confirmed that a six-year-old boy died on Monday after a vehicle collision at the Castledawson Road roundabout in Magherafelt.
Ethan Michael McCourt of the Bellaghy area died at the hospital as a result of his injuries following the collision that occurred shortly before 8 a.m. Monday, June 20.
The driver of the vehicle, Ethan’s father, Declan, is still in the hospital.
The Bellaghy Wolfetones Gaelic Athletic Club has extended its condolences to the family.
“We are devastated to share the news that our underage player Ethan McCourt has passed, sadly, to his eternal rest after an accident earlier this week,” he said in a post on Twitter. “We also have his father Declan in our thoughts as he receives continuous. Hospital treatment.”
Ethan was a student at St Mary Bellaghy Primary School. Dozens of people paid tribute to the six-year-old on the Bellaghy Chapel Facebook page.
“Heartbreaking and such a beautiful child thinking of his mother and poor father (hoping he recovers from his injuries) and all the McKenna and McCourt families. Totally heartbreaking.”
Ethan’s funeral will be held Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary’s Church in Bellaghy.
Police said the crash involved a black Mercedes that collided with the roundabout.
“A full investigation is currently underway and anyone who has witnessed the collision or has images from script cameras, is asked to contact the Collision Investigation Unit at 101, citing reference number 324 of 20/06/22, “police said in a statement.