Little Ronan McGavigan tragically died on Sunay in car accident
THE heartbroken parents of a two-year-old boy who died after being hit by a car in Derry yesterday have been left “devastated”, a priest has said.
Ronan McGavigan was struck on the Lone Moor Road around 1.15 pm on Sunday afternoon near the Brandywell football stadium.
He ran out onto the road chasing his ball when he was struck by a car.
Little Ronan was rushed to Altnagelvin Hospital but despite the valiant efforts of emergency teams they unable to save his life.
The family’s parish priest said he was out playing and enjoying the sunshine when he ran out onto the road.
“No words can begin to appreciate what the parents feel or lessen the pain that they’re suffering,” Fr Eamon Graham said.
The police have spoken to the driver of a silver Citroen Picasso.
Fr Graham spoke to the child’s parents on Sunday evening.
“It’s almost like they are looking at it from outside because the enormity of it is so great that how do you begin to come to terms with it?
“By all accounts Ronan was just a lovely boy, full of the life and devilment that a two-year-old would be.
“They’re not long back from a family holiday,” said Fr Graham, “I suppose they are trying to hold on to those good memories of what they had together.
“As I went over last night there was just complete silence on the Lone Moor road.
“As I said to his mummy yesterday evening, focus on the good that he has done in his short life and knowing that the community in Derry and the outpouring of support that is there will be ongoing,” Fr Graham added.
Sinn Féin councillor Patricia Logue also expressed her sympathies to the boy’s family.
“It is a tragic and very personal loss for them,” she said.
“They are in our thoughts and prayers at this time, as they are trying to come to terms with such dreadful news.”
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