PSNI explain 56% surge in road fatalities in Northern Ireland after death of Natasha 'Tash' Gove at Glenarrife Road Ballymena
Police have explained why there has been a 56% surge in road deaths this year, after the death of a young mother near Ballymena brought the total number of fatalties on NI roads this year to 42.
Natasha 'Tash' Gove, 31, was a passenger in a Ford Transit van that was involved in a single vehicle collision on the Glenariffe Road at around 9pm on Saturday. Both she and the 41-year-old male driver tragically died at the scene.
He has not yet been named.
The latest PSNI figures how that 42 people have been killed on Northern Ireland roads so far this year, a 55.6% increase on the number of deaths by this time in 2025.
Chief Superintendent Sam Donaldson said the number of road 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 on Northern Ireland roads this year 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 1st January this year until today, 21st 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.
“We all share the responsibility to prevent and reduce the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. Let’s all work together and make the journey, and that of all road users, a safe one.”
Rural roads appear to be the most dangerous, accounting for 29 of the 42 deaths since January.
Thirty of the 42 deaths were male and 14 of them have been drivers, as opposed to passengers or pedestrians.
Out of the 42 deaths the largest age category is in the 24-64 range, at 23 deaths.
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.
"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.
Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the Glenariffe collision or who may have any information about it, including dash-cam or other footage, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on tel 101, quoting reference number 1423 18/07/26.