North Antrim community in ‘shock’ after man dies in RTC
The community of Loughgiel and surrounding areas have been left devastated after an ‘extremely popular’ man in his 20’s died in a road traffic collision on Sunday night.
Freddy McKendry was killed in a single vehicle road traffic collision on the Altnahinch Road shortly after 11pm.
Sinn Fein’s Cara McShane said ‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Freddy’s family and friends. He is from a large, well-respected and well-known family in this area. The Loughgiel and wider North Antrim community has been left in shock and are numb from this tragedy. Our hearts are sore as another young person has had his life cut short by another tragedy on our roads. This is a tight-knit rural community and people will rally around to support and comfort in every way possible in the difficult days, weeks and months ahead.’
Social media tributes have been pouring in for Freddy following the news of his tragic death.
Sean McIllhatton wrote – ‘This time last year we were just back from the gold coast, how the tables can turn so quick. Rest easy Freddy thinking of your family at this hard time.’
Pauline Canavan said ‘Such sad news to wake up too. RIP Freddy McKendry thinking of your family at this devastating time.’
Community Organisation ‘Life After ‘ who support people who have lost loved ones as a result of a road traffic collision published a message of support on their social media page.
Commenting local Independent Councillor Ambrose Laverty also extended this sympathy ‘ My thoughts are with the family and large circle of friends of the deceased. The Altnahinch Road would be a minor road and in poor condition in some parts. Given the quality of some of our roads, I would urge caution for all our road users.’
A PSNI spokesperson said ‘ The man, aged in his 20’s, was the driver of an Audi car that was involved in the collision shortly before 11pm.
Police are appealing for anyone who was travelling on the Altnahinch Road on Sunday night and who witnessed the collision to contact local officers in Coleraine or the Collision Investigation Unit on 101 quoting reference 1621 05/05/19.’
A NIAS spokesperson said ‘NIAS despatched an Emergency Crew to the scene. Unfortunately, the patient was declared deceased at the scene.
Our thoughts and prayers are with the patients family at this sad time.’
