Road tragedy victim Lucy McIlhatton remembered for ‘beautiful smile’

A young woman knocked down and killed in west Belfast at the weekend will be remembered for her “beautiful smile,” mourners have heard.
By Mark Rainey
Published 7th Jan 2021, 18:53 BST
Updated 7th Jan 2021, 20:51 BST
Lucy McIlhatton's mother Anne during the funeral in west Belfast this morningLucy McIlhatton's mother Anne during the funeral in west Belfast this morning
Lucy McIlhatton's mother Anne during the funeral in west Belfast this morning

Lucy McIlhatton, 24, died after being struck by a car while walking on the Springfield Road on Sunday evening.

At her funeral service in St Theresa’s Church on Thursday, Fr Gabriel Lyons said her tragic death had left her family and friends “walking in the darkness of grief,” the Irish News reported.

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“Lucy was her father’s princess and her mother’s best friend and an amazing sister to Sean,” he said.

“Her childhood was filled with busy activities. Their holidays in Donegal. Long days were spent on the beach with the family. Beautiful memories that will last forever.

“She was a natural A-star student who never boasted. She had a wonderful group of friends who loved her and will always be remembered for her beautiful smile.

“Lucy brought light into her family, light into her work, into her relationships, with her friends”.

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The parish priest went on to say that there “can’t be any answers” because Lucy’s sudden death is hard to comprehend.

“Her family and friends are walking in the darkness of grief and that is a really hard challenge for them.

“Lucy’s family will need your love and support for a long time,” he said.

A 44-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of a number of offences relating to the collision, including causing death by dangerous driving, driving when unfit through drink or drugs, failing to remain where accident occurred causing injury and assault on police. He was later released on bail.

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Anyone with dashcam footage of the incident is asked to contact police on 101 quoting reference number 1554 03/01/21.

READ: Sympathy expressed after death of young Belfast woman

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