A mother of three who died after the car she was travelling in plunged into a ravine in Spain is to be laid to rest on Friday. Amy McCullagh, from County Westmeath in Ireland, was on holiday in Malaga at the time of the horror crash. Three others were in the car, including her husband, Ian McCullagh, 35, who remains critically ill in hospital.
The crash and victims
The incident occurred in the early hours of June 28 on the A7 motorway near Malaga. The vehicle carrying the four holidaymakers plunged 100 feet into a ravine after colliding with a taxi shortly after 2:30am local time, according to Spanish authorities. Amy died alongside Michaela Newcombe and her brother-in-law, Mark McCullagh. Ian sustained serious injuries but survived; he is fighting for his life in a Spanish hospital. Amy and Ian were married in southern Spain in August 2024.
Funeral arrangements
A funeral for Amy will be held at the Church of the Nativity in Ballynacargy on Friday, as reported by the Irish Mirror. She will be buried in Sonna Cemetery following the service. Amy leaves behind two daughters, Ruby and Kaylee, and a son, Curtis. Her death notice read: "It is with great sadness we share the news of the death of our beloved daughter Amy, following a tragic road accident in Spain, alongside her brother-in-law Mark and his girlfriend Michaela. Amy will be forever missed and remembered by her husband Ian, daughters Ruby and Kaylee, and son Curtis." The family has requested donations go to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.
Tributes and community shock
Tributes have poured in for Michaela Newcombe, who worked as head receptionist at Havan Sun Mullingar beauty school. She was described as a "kind, caring, beautiful soul" who was "full of life" and always had "a kind word for everyone she met." Another tribute said: "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." A third wrote: "Can't believe the news. Such a beautiful soul. Her big smile and bubbly personality will be missed so incredibly." Local Sinn Féin councillor Julie McCourt said the town had been left in shock. "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," she said.
