Glenariffe road accident: Father pays tribute to Natasha Gove who died at scene with male
A Ballyclare man has announced with "great heartache" that his daughter Natasha (Tash) Gove has passed away in a road traffic accident.
It is believed the mother was a passenger in a one vehicle collision on the Glenariffe Road near Ballyeman on Saturday night in which a 41-year-old man, who has not yet been named, also died.
Natasha’s father David Gove posted a statement on social media on Sunday to break the tragic news.
"It is with great heartache and sadness that I have to post that our daughter Natasha Gove passed away last night," he said.
"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."
His post prompted over 200 messages of condolences.
Among them was Natasha's sister, Kathryn Gove. She said: "My beautiful sister, gone too soon, why does life have to be so cruel?"
Natasha's brother Nathan Robinson Gove was also devastated.
"My little sister, my heart is broke will never be the same without you," he said.
Natasha's friend Molly McKee added: "Can’t believe it Tasha - fly high my friend, heavens gained another angel."
Kat Kirk was one of many who expressed deep shock at the news.
"So so sad," she said. "Tasha made everyone smile, always so full of life. Great we character and will be sadly missed."
Police said they collision was reported to them shortly before 9.10pm on Saturday, and involved a silver Ford Transit Custom van.
Police and personnel from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, and Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene.
“The occupants of the van, a 41-year-old man, and 31-year-old woman, were both sadly pronounced deceased at the scene,” the PSNI said in a statement.
“No other injuries were reported. The Glenariffe Road, which was closed for a time, has since fully reopened."