Aoife Tinnelly: 'An entire community is heartbroken and in mourning' after shock death of 'My beautiful baby Aoife – 21/10/2001 - 20/04/2026’
The woman in her 20s who died following a two-vehicle road traffic collision in Kilkeel yesterday evening, Monday 20th April, has been named.
In a statement the PSNI have confirmed that she was 24-year-old Aoife Tinnelly from the Kilkeel area.
Detective Inspector Stewart from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “Shortly before 6.30pm, we received a report of a collision involving a white Audi A1 and blue Mercedes Benz on the Newry Road.
“Officers alongside colleagues from other emergency services attended, however very sadly Aoife was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Two other people were taken to hospital for treatment for their injuries.
“The Newry Road was closed for a number of hours but has now fully re-opened.
“Our enquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or to anyone who may have CCTV, dash-cam or other footage that could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 1288 20/04/26.”
Earlier on social media Newry and Mourne District Councillor Henry Reilly posted: ‘I attended a funeral yesterday for Alan Spence a good a decent man taken before his time by a cruel disease and then hear about the tragic death of a young girl on our roads.
‘Sincere condolences to the Spence and Tinnelly families - I recall a headstone for a young soldier killed at the Somme with the simple inscription “Only God Knows Why”.
And, also on social media fellow Independent Councillor Jarlath Tinnelly posted a stunning picture of his daughter Aoife with the message ‘My beautiful baby Aoife – 21/10/2001 - 20/04/2026’.
Comments on the post include one from DUP MLA Diane Forsythe saying ‘Absolutely heartbroken for you and the entire family circle Jarlath.
‘My deepest condolences at this devastating time x’.
Another message said: ‘Very sorry for your loss Jarlath and family. What a beautiful girl. May she RIP’, whilst another message said ‘So sorry for your loss Jarlath! She was a special wee girl. I remember her from Kilbroney primary school when I worked there. Absolutely heart breaking for you all. May she rest in peace’.
SDLP Councillor Colin McGrath also extended his sympathies saying: “Sincerest sympathies to the whole Tinnelly family.
"This must a be shocking and numb day for them all, especially Aoife’s daddy - Jarlath.
“RIP Aoife - keeping you and the whole family in my thoughts and prayers.”
Sinn Féin councillor Michael Rice also expressed his condolences to the family and friends of Aoife Tinnelly.
“It’s devastating to learn Aoife has tragically died,” he said.
"My immediate thoughts are with the Tinnelly family as they begin to process this terrible incident.
“An entire community is heartbroken and in mourning today and I know that we will all do everything that we can to support the family in what will be difficult days to come.”