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2nd August 2023
11:00am BST
Heartbreaking news emerged this week when it was confirmed that two girl best friends were killed in a car crash on their way to an end of school dance.
Kiea McCann (17) and her friend, Dlava Mohammed (16), were on their way to a school dance in Monaghan, Ireland, when the vehicle they were in crashed into a tree causing the deaths of both girls.
The girls were on their way to their Debs when the accident occurred in treacherous wet conditions near Clones.
Three other people were injured in the incident.
Speaking to the Irish Independent, Kiea's father, Frankie, said: "There was great excitement here in the house before they went out. We had food and champagne and balloons, and it was going to be a great night."
It later emerged that Kiea's dad Frankie came upon the crash shortly after it occurred and held his daughter in his arms as emergency services rushed to the scene.
Kiea’s mother, Teresa described her as a stunning girl who was bubbly, intelligent and good natured.
“She was great to everybody,” she said, adding that Kiea and Dlava, who is originally from Syria, had been best friends for years. "It will be hard on all the young people. Hard on all the friends," she added.
Kiea's sister also paid a heartbreaking tribute, writing: "I am just so lost and don’t understand how something like this could just happen to you and I just hope you know that we all love you so much.
"I would do anything just to have you here with me one last time just to tell you that I love you and need you. You were taken from us too soon, your life was just starting to begin and you can no longer enjoy it .
"You were such a strong beautiful loving caring girl and very thick headed but I would never change anything about you."
She concluded her tribute writing: "Rest easy princess and look over us. I will never forget you or the great times we had. You hold a big special part in my life and that will never change. I will never understand why life is so cruel to take such a special person like you out of it. I love you forever."
On Tuesday evening, hundreds of people from the local community formed a guard of honour as Kiea's remains were removed from a funeral home in Monaghan town and brought to Clones in a remarkable showing of solidarity and respect.
Among those also injured in the crash include another teenage girl and a man in his 60s, both of whom are in critical condition. Another male is being treated for less serious injuries.
Truly heartbreaking news.
Our thoughts go out to all those affected by this horrific incident.
