Tributes have been pouring in for Connor Magee Campbell, 16, who was killed in a collision between a scrambler bike and a lorry on Derryloughan Road in Coalisland on Thursday evening. He was rushed to hospital following the crash but later died from his injuries.
Forever Young
As his family prepares for his funeral, the local community in Clonoe, where Connor lived, has remembered him as a young man whose compassion, wit and strength touched those who knew him. His funeral notice described him as the cherished son of Brian and Megan Campbell and the late Kayleigh Magee, and a dearly loved brother of Michael, Daniel and Paudi.
In a short Facebook post sharing the death notice, his father Brian wrote: "My beautiful boy, my best friend. Forever young."
School pays tribute to former pupil
Connor had recently completed his final year at St Joseph's College in Coalisland and was eagerly anticipating his GCSE results. The school said: "It is with profound sadness that the St Joseph's College, Coalisland community has learned of the passing of our former pupil, Connor Magee, following a road traffic accident."
"Connor had recently completed his final year at the College and was looking forward to receiving his GCSE results. He remained a much-loved member of our school community, and his loss is deeply felt by students, staff and all who knew him."
The school added: "We extend our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to Connor's father, Brian, his wife Megan, his brother, Michael (past pupil), Daniel (current pupil), Paudi and the entire Magee and Campbell family circle at this devastating time. As a school community, we hold Connor and his loved ones in our thoughts and prayers. May they find strength, comfort and support in the days and weeks ahead. St Joseph, patron of our College, pray for Connor, watch over his family and all who mourn his loss. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis."
Community leaders express sorrow
Sinn Féin councillor Eimear Carney said Connor's death had plunged the whole area into mourning. "The entire community is heartbroken at the loss of such a young boy in such tragic circumstances," she said.
"Connor was a wonderful young lad who was deeply loved by his family and had a wide circle of friends. His presence touched the lives of so many in the community and his lovely smile and good nature will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him. As a community, we will rally around Connor's family in the difficult time ahead. We keep them in our thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam."
SDLP councillor Malachy Quinn also offered his sympathies, saying: "The world can be a cruel place. Connor was a young lad with his whole life ahead of him."
"My heart goes out to Brian, Megan and all the Campbell, Magee and O'Neill families. I know the whole community will rally around them over the next few days and weeks."
Youth club remembers 'One of a Kind'
Workers from the Ógras Centre in Coalisland paid tribute to Connor's time at the youth club and the profound influence he had on those he met. In a heartfelt memorial, they wrote: "There are some people who come into this world and leave a mark so great that they could never possibly be forgotten. Wee Connor Magee was one of those people."
"Everyone who knew him will remember the sparkle in his eye, the cheeky smile on his face and all the wee ticks that made him stand out from the crowd. He was truly one of a kind."
Honouring his playful nature, the centre said: "Connor was full of mischief. He was always winding people up, acting the eejit and keeping everyone on their toes. There was never a dull moment when he was around. He loved the craic, and the craic certainly loved him."
The tribute also recognised Connor's empathy after the loss of his mother Kayleigh. "For someone so young, he possessed a wisdom far beyond his years. The courage and strength he showed after the loss of his beloved mummy was extraordinary," it read.
Recounting an exchange with Connor, the message added: "He said 'Shane I will now suffer the pain of losing my mum to know she is no longer suffering.' Those words will stay with me because they showed exactly who Connor was. Even in his own grief, his compassion for others was evident to all."
The tribute concluded: "Connor was a wee rogue in the very best sense of the word. He was full of love, full of laughter and full of life. He brightened every room he entered and left every person he met a little better for having known him. Connor may have left this world, but he will never leave our hearts. Sleep tight, wee man. Be at peace with your Mummy. RIP. It was a pleasure to have known you."
Police appeal for footage
Police have urged anyone who witnessed the crash on Thursday night, or has dashcam or other footage, to contact them on 101 quoting reference number 1724 of 30/07/26, or to provide details through the PSNI's online reporting portal. Investigations continue.
