‘Today I lost what gave me life’ - son of couple killed in Portglenone collision pays tribute to parents and uncle

Paul and Varena Creelman and Varena’s brother Phil Hegarty from Kilrea were all killed when the silver Volkswagen Passat they were travelling in was involved in a collision with a black Audi at the Lisnahunshin Road/Ballyconnelly Road junction between Cullybackey and Portglenone at around 10.40am.

Mr. and Mrs. Creelman’s son, Damien Creelman, said: 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 r.i.p.,” said Mr. Creelman.

Mrs. Creelman's brother, Phil Hegarty, who also lost his life in the collision.

Mr. Creelman also thanked everyone for their support.

“Thanks everyone for the messages.

“Means a lot and appreciated by the family,” he said.

The couple had four children and two grandchildren, according to a death notice posted on social media by Dempsey Funeral Directors in Coleraine.

“Such a terrible tragedy to grip the community of Kilrea today losing Paul, Varena and Phil,” said local councillor Paul Bateson.  “Hard to put it into words, totally heartbreaking. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Creelman and Hegarty families,” he added.

The funeral details for all three of the deceased will be announced later.