The family of six-year-old Kourtney McCormick, who died after being struck by a van in Newry, have paid tribute to a woman who assisted them in getting her to hospital. In a statement released through Paul McEvoy Funeral Directors, they described the woman as their 'special angel.'
Crash and Hospital Response
The incident occurred in the Springfarm Heights area of Newry on Sunday, June 21. Kourtney was taken urgently to Daisy Hill Accident and Emergency Department but later died from her injuries. A 40-year-old woman arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail pending further police enquiries, according to Belfast Live.
In their tribute, the family expressed profound gratitude to the lady who arrived at the scene and helped them take Kourtney straight to Daisy Hill A&E. They said: 'You are our special angel; we are internally grateful to you.'
Gratitude to Medical Staff
The family also thanked the doctors and medical staff at Daisy Hill Hospital who fought to keep Kourtney alive, and for the guard of honour they gave her as she was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital. They extended heartfelt thanks to the surgeons and ICU staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital for their efforts to save her life, adding: 'We will be forever grateful that you gave us the chance to hold our baby and say goodbye to her in our arms.'
Community Support and Funeral Arrangements
The family acknowledged support from PSNI officers, a priest who supported them at both hospitals, and the wider community. They thanked Kourtney's primary school, St. Patrick's the Meadow, neighbours, family, friends, and local businesses who supplied food at her wake. They also thanked Canon Brown and The Choir Studio for making her Mass of the Angels 'so angelic,' and Paul McEvoy Funeral Directors for their dignified funeral arrangements.
Upcoming Memorial Mass
Kourtney's Months Mind Mass is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at 7.30pm in St. Brigid's Chapel, Newry. The family concluded: 'As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation.'
