Three Irish nationals who died in a devastating crash near Malaga, Spain, have been identified as Mark McCullagh, his partner Michaela Newcombe, and Amy McCullagh, the wife of Mark's brother Ian. The incident occurred in the early hours of Sunday on the A7 motorway near Malaga, when two vehicles collided and one plunged down an embankment.
Victims Named and Their Connections
The three deceased were all from Mullingar, County Westmeath. Ian McCullagh, 31, who survived the crash, remains seriously injured in a Spanish hospital. He had married Amy in southern Spain in August 2024, according to the Irish Mirror.
Tributes Pour In
Michaela Newcombe worked as head receptionist at Havan Sun Mullingar beauty school. Friends described her as a "kind, caring, beautiful soul" who was "full of life" and always had "a kind word for everyone she met." One tribute read: "I'm so sorry for the loss of your colleague Michaela. She was always so nice and smiling anytime I was in. Thinking of her family and friends – absolutely heartbreaking." Another said: "Can't believe the news. Such a beautiful soul. Her big smile and bubbly personality will be missed so incredibly."
Community in Shock
Local Sinn Féin councillor Julie McCourt expressed the community's grief: "Our hearts are with the families and all who loved them in the Mullingar area and beyond. It is a devastating loss for the entire community and we are holding them in our thoughts and prayers."
Details of the Crash
Spanish authorities reported that the crash occurred shortly after 2:30 a.m. local time on the A7 motorway. Two vehicles were involved, and one of them went off the road down an embankment. The cause of the crash is under investigation.
