Paul and Varena Creelman and her brother Phil Hegarty who died in Co Antrim crash
The victims have been named locally as Kilrea husband and wife Paul and Varena Creelman, and Phil Hegarty, who was the brother of Mrs Creelman.
A silver Volkswagen Passat and a black Audi were involved in the accident on the Lisnahunshin Road in Portglenone, Co Antrim, around 10.40 am.
The relatives, who are all believed to be in their 50s, were travelling in the VW Passat and were pronounced dead at the scene.
The male driver of the Audi was taken to hospital as a precaution.
Mr and Mrs Creelman’s son Damien paid his own tribute to his parents on Facebook: “Today is the day that I lost what had given me life, taught me respect and made me the person I am.
“Mum, dad and uncle scoobbie.
“Thank you and RIP.”
In a death notice, Dempsey Funeral Directors stated that Mr and Mrs Creelman were the beloved parents of Sean, Damien, Mikaela and Tomas, and much loved grandparents of Scarlett and Saoirse.
Funeral arrangements for Mr and Mrs Creelman and Mr Hegarty are to be announced at a later date. They will be subject to Coronavirus rules.
The Lisnahunshin Road, Loan Road, Hiltonstown Road and Ballyconnelly Road remained closed until 8.30pm on Monday night following the collision.
The NI Ambulance Service dispatched two emergency crews and a doctor to the scene.
Sinn Fein councillor Sean Bateson, who knows the victims’ families personally, said they were in a “very difficult place”.
“It’s a terrible tragedy for the community of Kilrea today,” he stated.
“The news that three local people – a husband, wife and a brother – have sadly lost their lives in a car accident is totally devastating.
“I know the victims personally and I know the families personally. It’s just a very, very sad day for them and indeed the whole community here in Kilrea.
“We will rally around them and show support, and try and get them through the next few weeks and months ahead.
“I called in with the family earlier to show my sympathies and my support for them.
“As you can imagine it’s hard for them to take in the news that the members of their family have sadly lost their lives.
“They’re in a very difficult place at the minute but I know they’ll be well supported by the community of Kilrea.”
The SDLP’s Helena Dallat O’Driscoll said she was “filled with sorrow” after hearing about the accident.
“It is a very sad day for Kilrea, particularly the residents of Coleraine Street,” continued the Kilrea-based councillor.
“I wish to express my deepest sympathies to the Creelman and Hegarty families.
“I know that the people of Kilrea will rally around them at this awful time to provide every support that they may need.”
Police at scene of horror crash in Portglenone on Monday
Sinn Fein’s North Antrim MLA Philip McGuigan said the tragedy was a “terrible blow” to all of the families involved in the incident.
“People have been shocked, saddened and devastated by the deaths of three people in a road collision near Portglenone,” he added.
“Any death on our roads is one too many and incidents like this are a reminder of the vital importance of road safety.
“My thoughts and sympathies are with the families, friends and loved ones of those who have lost their lives in this tragic incident.”
DUP North Antrim MLA Mervyn Storey said he had previously highlighted the dangers of this road following the death of two British soldiers in 2014.
“There are families plunged into sadness yet again because of a road traffic accident and sadly this is the same junction that two soldiers were killed at a few years ago,” stated Mr Storey.
“It’s a tragedy that yet again we have families plunged into sadness because of a road accident and our thoughts and prayers are with the families.”
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