Air crash victim was ‘most loving, kind and caring mother’, say family

The family of a woman in her 40s who died following the light aircraft crash at Newtownards earlier this week say she was “the most loving, kind and caring mother”.
By Niall Deeney
Published 22nd Jul 2022, 15:13 GMT
Updated 22nd Jul 2022, 15:29 GMT
PACEMAKER BELFAST 21/07/2022 . Philip Murdock and Caroline MawhinneyPACEMAKER BELFAST 21/07/2022 . Philip Murdock and Caroline Mawhinney
PACEMAKER BELFAST 21/07/2022 . Philip Murdock and Caroline Mawhinney

Caroline Mawhinney, 44, was one of two people who died in the crash.

Philip Murdock, a businessman from Hillsborough, also lost his life in the tragedy on Tuesday evening.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In a statement issued by the Mawhinney family, the 44-year-old mother-of-two was described as someone who was “always smiling” and had “lived life to the full”.

PACEMAKER BELFAST 19/07/2022 Emergency services including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of the light aircraft crash in Newtownards airfield on Tuesday evening.PACEMAKER BELFAST 19/07/2022 Emergency services including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of the light aircraft crash in Newtownards airfield on Tuesday evening.
PACEMAKER BELFAST 19/07/2022 Emergency services including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service at the scene of the light aircraft crash in Newtownards airfield on Tuesday evening.

The family, in a statement issued to the BBC, said: “Caroline worked as a mechanical engineer in Caterpillar, the American Construction machinery and equipment company, for 20 years before changing direction and studying to be a teacher, graduating recently with her PGCE and was about to start a new job as a technology teacher in New-Bridge Integrated College in Co Down.

“She was a qualified pilot and loved spending time at Newtownards Flying Club. Caroline was always smiling, energetic and really lived life to the full.”

The family added: “She was so loved by all of her family and friends”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Ms Mawhinney was mother to Josh and Emily, daughter of John and the late Heather and sister to Kelly.

The family of Mr Murdock, meanwhile, described him in a notice as “much loved husband of Esther, beloved son of Bertie and Wilma and loving son-in-law of Jean and the late Eddie Deyermond. Dear brother of Paul and Elaine and devoted uncle.”

Related topics:HillsboroughAmerican