Funeral details published for Natasha 'Tasha' Gove after fatal collision on Glenariffe Road, Ballymena

Ms Gove, aged 31, was a passenger in a Ford Transit van driven by a 41-year-old male which was involved in a one vehicle collision on the Glenariffe Road, near Ballymena at around 9pm on Saturday. The driver has not yet been named.

In a funeral notice published today, her family said that Natasha (Tash) “grew her wings 18th July 2026 suddenly as a result of an accident”.

The notice said she was the “loving and proud mummy of S-Jay,” dearly beloved daughter of Claire and Dad David, and much loved sister of Nathan, partner Becca, sisters Kathryn and Penny.

She was also a beloved aunt to all her nieces and nephews and granddaughter to Noelle and Noman Doyle.

A Service of Celebration for her life will be held in S & J Irvine’s Funeral Home, Ballyclare, on Friday 24 July at 2:30pm followed by committal at Antrim & Newtownabbey Crematorium for 4pm.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to Links Counselling Service c/o S & J Irvine at the above address.

The notice ended: "Tash will be lovingly remembered and held in our hearts forever by all her family circle. God’s garden must be beautiful, he always picks the best.”

Meanwhile, police have explained why there has been a 55.6% surge in NI road deaths, after the death of the young mother brought the number of fatalities to 42 so far this year – up from 27 for the same period in 2025.

Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson said the number of deaths since January is "unacceptably high" and urged drivers to remember that driving requires "undivided attention".

He said the main reason for the sharp increase in deaths are that too many drivers are not paying adequate attention to the fatal five: “slow down, stay off your phone, never drink or drug drive, don't get distracted and always wear your seatbelt”.

The Chief Supt told the News Letter: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the loved ones of those who have tragically lost their lives as a result of road traffic collisions in Northern Ireland.

"Their families and friends will have received the news no-one ever wants to hear. Their lives will have been changed in an instant.

“From the 1 January this year until today, 21 July, there have been 42 road fatalities. For the same comparative period last year, there were 27 fatalities as a result of road traffic collisions.

“The number of people dying on our roads is unacceptably high and, as a Police Service, we are appealing to all road users to please never think the worst can’t happen to you.

“One split-second action or decision behind the wheel can change countless lives forever.

“To all motorists and road users, we are appealing to you to pay particular attention to road safety - your own safety and the safety of all other road users.

“Driving requires your undivided attention. Think about the choices you make, and what they mean for you and all other road users.

“Remember the Fatal Five – these are the main reasons why so many people are dying on our roads - slow down, stay off your phone, never drink or drug drive, don't get distracted and always wear your seatbelt.”

North Antrim MP Jim Allister said he was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy.

"This devastating loss has brought profound sorrow to the local community, and my thoughts are with the families and friends who are now facing the most difficult of days,” he said.

"I extend my heartfelt condolences to all affected and recognise the deep shock felt across the wider Ballymena area."

Natasha's father, David Gove, broke the tragic news of his daughter's death on social media on Monday.

"It is with great heartache and sadness that I have to post that our daughter Natasha Gove passed away last night," he said on Monday.

"Tasha was a passenger involved in a RTA. If you were friends with Tasha please let all her friends know, as I don't have her [Facebook] details or contact lists.

"Please allow my family to grieve and deal with this tragedy. RIP Tash Gove."