Son of loyalist murder victim killed in freak accident in NI car park - PSNI appeal for dashcam footage - Head Chef ‘Loughie... became a good friend to staff and customers alike’

On Wednesday the PSNI revealed that a 39-year-old man Loughlin Maginn ‘tragically died after he became trapped under his car when it rolled a short distance after being parked in the car park shortly before 12.30pm’.

They added that Mr Maginn who was from the Warrenpoint area, died following an incident at a car park on Downpatrick Street in Rathfriland.

The PSNI added that enquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers would ask anyone that witnessed the incident or who may have captured dash-cam footage to contact them in Lurgan or the Collision Investigation Unit at Sprucefield on 101 quoting reference number 763 01/07/20.

This is the second tragedy to hit the famliy - as his father and namesake had been murdered aged 28-years in a notorious loyalist shooting in Rathfriland in 1989.

Maginn Snr had been accused at the time of being an IRA member which his family always denied.

A post on Fergusons Bar & Bistro Facebook page says: “Today we learnt of the shocking news and loss of our colleague, friend and talented Chef Loughie Maginn.

“Loughie will be greatly missed by all the staff, customers and visitors of Fergusons Bar & Bistro and Gyles Quay Caravan Park.

“Loughie built a renowned reputation in the Cooley Peninsula and beyond over the last 2 years and more recently with the launch of GQ Pizzas that serviced us all during lockdown.

“We extend our heartfelt condolences to his partner Keihra, daughter Megan, Mrs Maginn, brothers, Sister and wider family circle.

“You will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing you.

“You’ll be forever in our thoughts”.

Another post on The Rostrevor Inn Facebook page added: “RIP Loughie On behalf of everyone at the Rostrevor Inn we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family of Loughlin Maginn, who died in tragic circumstances yesterday.

“Loughie was head chef here for two years and in that time not only earned respect for his talent and dedication but became a good friend to staff and customers alike.

“He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and sympathies are with his daughter, mother and siblings”.

And a post on Clonduff GAC Facebook page said: “We in Clonduff are deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death of Loughlin (Loughie) Maginn in Rathfriland on Wednesday afternoon.

“Loughlinn lived in Hilltown for many years and his mother and other family members live in Clonduff. “Our thoughts and prayers are with little Megan, partner Keighra, mother Maureen, sisters Jenny and Grace, brothers Ryan, Shay, Conan and Lee, and the entire family circle at this very sad time. Rest in Peace Loughlinn. Ár dheis Dé go riabh a anam”.

Earlier Sinn Fein councillor Gerry O’Hare said: “It’s devastating news, I would know his brother and sister fairly well who live in the same village outside of Warrenpoint.”

Ulster Unionist councillor Glenn Barr added: “I understand that he had stopped to use the bathroom at the car park and when he turned around the car was reversing towards him.

“There was a young girl in the car at the time and he tried to stop it but he got crushed under the vehicle. My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.”

Sinn Fein’s South Down MP Chris Hazzard said the community had been left “shocked and saddened” by his death.

“My heart goes out to all the family at this very sad time. I was heartbroken for them all today when I heard this tragic news,” he said.

“The PSNI have appealed to any drivers who may have dashcam footage which could help them establish exactly what happened to get in contact with them. Loughlin and his wider family are well respected in the local area and today’s news will leave many shocked and saddened.

“Our thoughts are with all Loughlin’s friends and loved ones at this sad time.”

SDLP MLA Sinead Bradley passed on her condolences to the family and also thanked emergency services attending the scene.

“Their commitment to stepping up in the most challenging of circumstances is always appreciated.”

Ms Bradley added: “May he Rest in Peace.”