School offer support to pupils after sudden death of ‘much-loved’ girl, 12

Evan Cromie was described by Strangford College as a “much loved Year 8 student”.

Principal, Clare Foster, said: “It is with great sadness that I have to tell you of the sudden death of Evan Cromie, a much loved Year 8 student. Our students were informed about this by their form teachers this morning (Monday).”

She continued: “We are deeply saddened by this great loss but we are trying, for all the students’ sake, to keep the school environment as normal as possible.

“Our thoughts are with Evan’s family at this tragic time and the school community sends them its sincerest sympathy and support.”

The school principal added: “Trained staff from the Education Authority critical incident response team are helping to support us through this difficult time and are available in school to support pupils as required.”

An online GoFundMe page has been set up online to help pay for Evan’s mother Belinda’s funeral costs and has raised almost £2,800.

A missing person appeal for Evan Cromie came to an end on May 18. PSNI Ards thanked the public for their assistance following the appeal.

DUP MP Jim Shannon said: “As a father of three and grandfather of three, my heart is broken at this tragedy.

“I simply cannot imagine what this family is going through and my heart aches for the unbearable pain that they feeling. I am praying for them and know that this whole community is praying for them and standing with them at this terrible time.”

If you, or anyone close to you, is affected by any issues in this article, please contact the Samaritans free on 116123 or Lifeline on 0808 808 8000