Double tragedy hits Carrickfergus family with Matthew McIlroy dying in road accident months after sudden death of his mother

Police said Mr McIlroy, 31, died following the single-vehicle collision in Ballyclare on Friday evening.

A black Audi A5 car was found crashed and overturned.

A police spokesperson said: “Police received a report at around 6.45pm on Friday of a black Audi A5 car which had crashed and overturned in the Green Road area.“

Officers, along with colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, attended, however, sadly the driver was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Well over 100 people left messages of condolence on social media after his death.

Carrickfergus TUV Councillor David Clarke said it was the second tragedy to his the family in a matter of months.

He said Matthew's mother had worked in the Vivo shop off the North Road in Carrickfergus and had passed away suddenly in November.

"It is very said - two tragedies for a family in a very short space of time," he said.

"It's a tragic loss of a young life and everybody's thoughts and prayers are obviously with the family that are having to deal with a second, bereavement in in such a short space of time.

"It is a particularly difficult road country road where the accident took place and quite narrow in places. There's lots of trees and things and in places there's not really room for two cars to pass.

"And with what has happened, you would like to think the authorities would now take a look at it and see what measures could be taken to improve road safety there."The councillor uses the road a lot to visit his father, he said.

He suggested that measures such as speed bumps, increased signage, police patrols and lowering the speed limit might help make the road safer.

Responding to the death on social media, some people expressing condolences after Matthew's death had also suggested that the road was quite dangerous.

Karen McClean said: “I live right beside the Green road. I've nearly been wiped out few times with speeding cars, buses and lorries taking half the road and flying around that bend. I’m the one that has to pull over while they fly on. Ridiculous. Condolences to the family on the loss. So sad."

In November, a family notice was published about the death of Matthew's mother, Laura Johnston (née McIlroy).

Over 420 people left messages of condolences under the family notice.

Typical of them was one from Donna Jeavons. She said: "Devastated to hear about Laura this morning. Such a kind and caring person. Always time to chat and ask how you where. She will be greatly missed. Thinking of her family xx."

Many people on social media also noted the gravity of the double tragedy.

Joanne McFarlane said: This is awful news for the McIlroy family. Thought and prayers are with the whole family. So soon after his mums passing. Gone too soon."

Nikki Kirkwood said it was "heartbreaking for a family who had been through so much in last few years".

And Kell Ey asked: "How much heartache can one family take?"

Linda Wray added: "This particular family has had so much sadness in a short time. Thinking of his sister Mya, his partner Zoe and his little daughter. May God send this family peace as they navigate a new norm."

The family notice said Laura was the much loved wife of Stewart, loving and devoted mummy to Matthew and Mya and their partners Zoe and Theo and proud nanny of Jenson and Binky.

She was also the sister of Joanne and the late Robert, brother-in-law Mark and their families and daughter of the late Matt and Davina McIlroy.

A service of thanksgiving for her life was held in her home on Monday 17 November.

No funeral details have yet been published for Matthew.

Police say their inquiries are continuing regarding Friday's accident and they are appealing to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have any information which could assist with the investigation – including dash-cam or other footage – to contact the collision investigation unit on 101, quoting reference number 1619 of 26/06/26.