A young Co Derry girl who was tragically struck by a car while getting off the school bus will be laid to rest this weekend.
Caitlin-Rose McMullan (11) died shortly after the collision which happened just outside the village of Castledawson on Wednesday afternoon.
The St Pius X College pupil will be buried following Requiem Mass in in Church of St Mary, Bellaghy, at 2.30 pm on Sunday, March 9.
The cortege will leave the family home on Broagh Road, close to where the tragedy unfolded, an hour before the service begins.
A family notie reads: “Beloved daughter of Colm and Stella and dear sister of Shéa, granddaughter of Mehall & Kate and Rosemary & Clement.
“Forever loved by her dad, mum, brother, grandparents and all the McMullan and McGinn families and their extended family circle and friends.
“Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God’s love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide.”
A wake for the young girl, who has been remembered as “bubbly and caring”, began on Friday evening.
Caitlin-Rose was rushed to hospital in Belfast following the accident, but sadly died from her injuries.
Staff at her school expressed “profound sadness” at the loss of one of its first year pupils and offered condolences to her grieving family and friends including Caitlin’s brother Shea who also attends the school.
“Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling,” a statement read.
“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.
Caitlin-Rose McMullan
“Caitlin Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.”
Meanwhile, local parish priest Very Rev John Gates said the community has been left “distraught” by the tragedy.
Education Minister Paul Givan said he was “deeply shocked and saddened” by what happened.
“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.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident.”
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