Kith and Ralph Singco and baby Kate: Friends and family speak of tears that won't stop flowing
Friends and family have been speaking of their heatbreak after the death of a young Filipino couple who were expecting their first child before suffering a fatal car accident at Nutt's Corner.
Ralph and Kith Singco and their unborn baby Kate, died after a two-car collision near Crumlin on Sunday.
Kith, who was seven months pregnant, worked in Our Lady’s Care Home in west Belfast as a nurse, while Ralph worked as a care assistant.
A Gofundme appeal to repatriate the couple to the Philippines said they were “dedicated members of our community who spent their lives in service to others as healthcare workers”. By yesterday the appeal had reached almost £70,000.
Kith's cousin Honey Quñones Lazara told the News Letter of her heartbreak.
The digital creator, who lives in Davao City in the Philippines, said Kith had been her first cousin.
She said there were only six girls in their wider family “but now she’s gone”.
“Kith is very close to me – like a sister. I’m just crying all the time.”
Van Agno met Ralph when training at nursing school in the Philippines.
“From the very beginning he stood out for his bright, bubbly spirit,” he told the News Letter.
“He had a wonderful sense of humour and an incredible way of lifting everyone’s mood, bringing joy and positive energy wherever he went.”
Van had been working in Canada but kept up to date with Ralph on social media.
“I was able to witness his journey: his dedication to his work, his beautiful love story, and the deep hope he held as he and his wife prepared to welcome their child.”
When he got the news about his friend he said he was shocked: “Every single pore in my body opened up and I was just devastated.”
Meanwhile, the families of the tragic couple have asked the the public to stop donating to the Gofundme appeal to repatriate their remains.
In an update on the appeal page, they wrote: ”With deeply grateful hearts, we want to thank each and every person who has supported this GoFundMe—whether through donations, sharing the page, messages of comfort, or prayers.
"Your kindness, generosity, and compassion during this unimaginable time have meant more to the Singco and Quinones families than words can fully express.”
Because of the “overwhelming support” they have now reached the amount needed to help bring the couple home, they said.
“From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for standing with us, for honoring the lives of Kith and Ralph, and for showing what true community and compassion look like in times of tragedy. Your support will never be forgotten.”
A Requiem Mass for the couple will be at St Vincent De Paul Church, Ligoniel, on January 21 at noon.