Father's emotional tribute to daughter Lydia Ross killed in a road collision

The father of a young Ballymoney woman killed in car collision on Thursday night has paid an emotional tribute to his “princess” daughter on social media.

Lydia Ross, 21, died following a single vehicle collision in Aghadowey shortly after 10.15pm on December 28.

In a social media post on Friday morning, Lydia’s heartbroken father Paul Ross posted a photo of them both together at a Ballymena United match on Boxing day.

He said: “Last night our beautiful daughter Princess Lydia was killed in a car accident, words can’t describe how we are feeling , my match going companion with Ballymena United every Saturday, this was our last selfie on Boxing Day.”

In one of more than 1,000 online responses, Ballymena United said: “We are very saddened to hear this @dunloy1 – from all at BUFC we extend our heartfelt condolences to you and your family and friends at this extremely difficult time. You have our thoughts and prayers in the days and weeks that lie ahead.”

Confirming the circumstances of the tragedy, a spokeswoman for the PSNI said: “Lydia Ross, 21, who was from the Ballymoney area, sustained serious injuries in a collision involving a blue Peugeot 207 in the Curragh Road area, which occurred shortly after 10.15pm yesterday evening, Thursday 28 December.

"She was taken to hospital for treatment, but sadly passed away from her injuries.”

The PSNI added: “Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information, including dash-cam, CCTV or other footage, is asked to contact Police on 101, quoting reference number 1887 of 28/12/23.”

Meanwhile, police confirmed that a man died following a road traffic collision in the Mayobridge area of Co Down on Friday.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Shortly after 6am, police received a report of a collision at Hilltown Road involving a male pedestrian and a grey coloured Audi A4.

“The pedestrian, a man aged in his 40s, sadly passed away at the scene.

“The road was closed for a period of time but has since reopened.

“Our enquiries are ongoing, and we are appealing to anyone who was travelling in the area at the time of the collision, or who has any dashcam or mobile phone footage, to contact us on 101, quoting reference number 247 of 29/12/23.”