'Fun-Loving' Girl, 11, Dies After She Steps Off School Bus and Is Hit by Car: Reports

Mar. 15, 2025

Police sign in Northern Ireland.Photo:Stephen Barnes/Getty

Stephen Barnes/Getty

An 11-year-old girl has reportedly died after she stepped off a school bus and into the path of a car.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Caitlin-Rose’s mother and father, her brother, Shea, who is also a pupil at St. Pius X College, and the wider family circle during this incredibly difficult time."

General view of Hillhead Road, Castledawson.Google Maps

Google Maps

“Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling,” the statement continued. “Her Form Teachers described her as ‘a joy to teach' due to her kind and fun-loving nature."

The tribute praised Caitlin Rose’s “outstanding classwork” and eagerness to approach “every assignment with interest and enthusiasm.”

“May Caitlin-Rose’s gentle soul rest in Heavenly Peace,” he concluded.

Pius X College in Northern Ireland.Google Maps

Very Rev John Gates, the parish priest in Magherafelt, described the community as “distraught,” following the incident, according to theBelfast Telegraph.

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Education Minister Paul Givan offered his support amid the ongoing investigation into the incident in a statement shared onFacebook.

“I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news that a 12-year-old pupil from St Pius X College, Magherafelt has sadly died following a collision outside Castledawson yesterday,” Mr Givan wrote.

“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 continued. “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) didn’t immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

source: people.com