Heartbreaking first picture of ‘popular’ schoolgirl, 11, killed by car while exiting bus as school pays tragic tribute

THIS is the heartbreaking first picture of a “popular” and “bubbly” 11-year-old girl who died after being hit by a car in Co Derry yesterday.

Caitlin Rose McMullan sadly passed away after she was tragically struck down by a vehicle while she was getting off a school bus on the Hillhead Road outside the village of Castledawson at around 4pm.

The schoolgirl was rushed to hospital in Belfast following the accident on Wednesday afternoon, but sadly passed away.

A notice online remembered the young girl as the “beloved daughter” of Colm and Stella, dear sister of Shéa, granddaughter of Mehall and Kate and Rosemary and Clement.

It added: “Forever loved by her dad, mum, brother, grandparents and all the McMullan and McGinn families and their extended family circle and friends.”

The wake for little Caitlin has not yet commenced and her family has said that funeral details will be confirmed at a later date.

Caitlin Rose, who was a first year student at St Pius X College in Magherafelt has been remembered as an “outgoing, bubbly and caring child” by devastated mourners today.

Her school said: “It was with profound sadness that we were informed about the loss of one of our pupils.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Caitlin Rose’s mother and father, her brother, Shea, who is also a pupil at St Pius X College, and the wider family circle during this incredibly difficult time.

“Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling. Her form teachers described her as ‘a joy to teach’ due to her kind and fun-loving nature.

“She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike.”

The school told how Caitlin Rose had earned numerous accolades for “excellent effort and outstanding classwork” while she was in the secondary school.

It added: “Caitlin Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.”

Northern Ireland’s Education Minister Paul Givan said he “was deeply shocked and saddened” by the news.

He said: “As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident.

“I have spoken to the principal at St Pius X College and assured him of my support.”

PARISH ‘DISTRAUGHT’

Very Rev John Gates, the parish priest in Magherafelt, said the community is “distraught”.

He added: “I haven’t been speaking to the family yet, but the community has once again been left devastated and distraught by a terrible family tragedy.

“The thoughts and prayers of everyone in this community are with the family.”

Police said there were a large number of people in the vicinity when Caitlin Rose was tragically struck by a car.

URGENT APPEAL

Anyone who may have information has been asked to share it with police and those with camera footage were warned not to share it with other members of the public.

Inspector Adair said: “There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene.

“I would ask anyone with footage not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to police through the Major Incident Public Portal.

“This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision.”

The Hillhead Road was closed for a short time following the incident but has since reopened.

Inspector Adair added: “Anyone with any information, dash-cam footage or images taken at the scene can also call on 101, quoting reference number 1038 05/03/25.”

A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form or The Major Incident Public Portal can be accessed online.