Girl, 11, killed as she stepped off school bus: Tributes pour in for 'bubbly' youngster
Tributes have flooded in for an 11-year-old girl who was killed after being hit by a car as she exited her school bus in Derry on Wednesday.The young girl, who was described by her school as 'a joy to teach', has been named locally as Caitlin-Rose McMullan. She had been attending St Pius X College in Magherafelt, with the school today stating that the young girl's friends and classmates have been left 'heartbroken' by the tragedy.In a statement posted to Facebook on Thursday morning, the school paid tribute to Caitlin-Rose, writing: 'It was with profound sadness that we were informed this morning about the loss of one of our pupils. '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.'Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling. Her Form Teachers described her as 'a joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature'. She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike. 'Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm'.The statement continued: 'Caitlin Rose's friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services. A Google Streetview image St Pius X College in Magherafelt, County Derry, where Caitlin-Rose attended A Google Streetview image of Hillhead Road in Castledawson on which the tragic collision occurred'We acknowledge and are very grateful for the support both staff and students have received from the Critical Incident Response Team at this very challenging time. May Caitlin-Rose's gentle soul rest in Heavenly Peace.'Paul Givan, Northern Ireland's Minister for Education, expressed his own 'deep shock' at the 11-year old's tragic passing. 'I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news that a 11-year-old pupil from St Pius X College, Magherafelt has sadly died following a collision outside Castledawson yesterday', Mr Givan said.'As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news.'My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident. 'I have spoken to the Principal at St Pius X College and assured him of my support. The Education Authority 's Critical Incident Team is in contact with the school and will provide support to the pupils and staff', he added.A PSNI investigation into the incident remains ongoing, with police also asking for people to not circulate images or videos of the tragic event online.Speaking to the incident, Inspector Adair said: 'There was a large number of people in the vicinity at the time who may have recorded video footage of the scene. 'I would ask anyone with footage not to share it on, but instead forward it to police through the Major Incident Public Portal. This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision.'The Hillhead Road in has reopened following this serious collision and our investigation continues. Anyone with any information, dash-cam footage or images taken at the scene can also call on 101, quoting reference number 1038 05/03/25.'
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Girl, 11, killed as she stepped off school bus: Tributes pour in for 'bubbly' youngster
