Tragic crash victim Muriel had '˜real zest for life'

A close family friend of Muriel Wing, 65, from Dromore, who died after a collision with a coach near Hillsborough, said her death was a “tragedy for the family and the community”.

Speaking to Belfast Live, the friend said Muriel was “well known and much loved”.

Mrs Wing, an auxiliary nurse at Craigavon Area Hospital, lived with her husband Malcolm and was a keen horsewoman.

“She was always busy and had been working at the hospital where she was very popular because she was always smiling and helping people,” said the friend.

“Her sons Martin and John Johnston will be devastated and Malcolm has lost the love of his life. Muriel was from Skeogh originally but they had been living at Diamond View Road near Dromore and enjoying life in the countryside. It was Muriel’s perfect life and she’d lived it to the full.

“The community will do everything to help Malcolm, John and Martin and comfort the three wee grandchildren.

“When something like this happens in a tight country community, things are never the same again. But we will do our best in her memory.”

The firm whose coach was involved in the crash, Rooney International, issued a statement on its Facebook page.

“We would like to express our sorrow about this morning’s tragic events.

“Our sincere thoughts are with the family of the lady involved. We are also thinking of the driver and passengers of our coach, thanks to everyone who have sent messages of support.

“We provide a regular commuter service between Newry and Belfast and the safe driving of our staff has always been paramount.

“Our thoughts are again with the family and friends of the deceased. We have nothing more to add at this time.”