Caitlin-Rose McMullan
The youngster, named locally as Caitlin-Rose McMullan from Castledawson, died following a collision in the Hillhead Road area outside the village shortly after 4pm on Wednesday.
She had stepped off a school bus before being struck by a vehicle and fatally injured.
Police are investigating the circumstances of the collision.
Inspector Adair appealed for people who may have recorded video footage of the scene not to share it on social media or messaging apps, but instead to forward it to them.
A large number of people were in the vicinity at the time.
Caitlin-Rose was in her first year at St Pius X College in Magherafelt.
A spokesperson for the school spoke of the “profound sadness” among her fellow pupils and teachers upon learning of the tragedy.Pupils are being offered support through staff and “relevant professional services” as they come to terms with the loss of their classmate.
“Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling,” a school spokesperson said.
“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.
“Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm.
“Caitlin-Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.”
The tragedy follows the death of 11-year-old Imogen Cleary-Vong, who died after being rescued from the Moyola River in Castledawson on February 2.
Sinn Féin councillor Ian Milne said the community was “in a state of shock” following the tragedy.
“The local Castledawson community are completely devastated at the loss of life of the young girl and I know the community will rally to support the bereaved family in whatever way they can,” he said.
Education Minister Paul Givan described her death as “devastating”.
“As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news,” he said.
A spokesperson for the Education Authority said it was “deeply shocked and saddened”.
“The EA’s Critical Incident Response Team are supporting the school during this difficult time and will provide emotional support to both students and staff.
“We would kindly ask that the family, school and wider community are afforded the time and space to grieve this unimaginable loss.”
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