Katya Watson Coleraine accident: PSNI confirms death of 22-year-old woman after crash in Ballymena

Ms Watson died as a result of a three-vehicle road traffic collision in Ballymena on Friday afternoon, 8 December.

Hundreds of people have posted their sympathies and prayers for her family circle on social media in the wake of the tragedy.

The heart-breaking news comes after several other tragedies on NI roads in the run up to Christmas.

Speaking of Ms Watson’s death, Detective Sergeant McIvor from the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “Police received a report at approximately 12.15pm of a collision involving a silver Vauxhall Corsa, a grey BMW 430D and blue Volvo XC90 on the Lisnevenagh Road.

“Officers attended, alongside our colleagues from other emergency services and first aid was provided at the scene.

“Sadly, the driver of the Corsa has since passed away from her injuries in hospital. She was 22-year-old Katya Watson from the Coleraine area.

“We would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam or mobile phone footage available to get in contact with us on 101, quoting reference number 701 08/12/23.

“We are especially keen to hear from the driver of a blue BMW who was driving in the southbound lane at the time of the collision.”

A family notice said that Ms Watson died on 13 December.

She was the beloved daughter of Eamon and Angelique and loving sister of Gabriella, Francesca, Aurora and twin sister of Lucia.

She was also the cherished granddaughter of Jeff and Sadie Watson (Slaughtmanus) and Lorenzo Nargi (London) and the late Dolores Monaghan (Derrylin).

Friends of Loreto (College in Coleraine) posted their sympathy on social media, noting that their “dear past pupil, Katya Watson...tragically passed away on 13th December 2023 as a result of an accident”.

They added: "Katya and her twin sister Lucia attended Loreto from 2013 to 2020. Her older sister Francesca was a pupil here from 2009 to 2016. May she rest in Peace.”

Slaughtmanus GAA club, near Londonderry, also posted sympathies online.

“It is with sincere heartfelt sadness the club announce the death of Katya Watson aged 22,” the club said.

"Daughter of Eamon and Angelique Watson, Coleraine, sister of Gabriella, Francesca, Aurora and Lucia.

“On behalf St Mary’s GAC Slaughtmanus we express our deepest sympathy to Katya’s extended family and club members, grandparents and Clubs Honorary President Jeff and his wife Sadie, uncles Sean, Kevin and Edward, aunts Caroline, Shona and Ann, cousins and entire family circle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest In Peace.”

Funeral details have not yet been released.

Police also revealed today that a 20-year-old female pedestrian died following a collision on Belfast Road in Lisbellaw which occurred at around 5.50pm on Wednesday 13 December.

A 25-year-old-man was arrested and remains in police custody at present. Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision or who may have captured dash-cam or other footage from the area at the time to contact them.

In addition, the funeral took place today, Thursday, for Ballycastle man Michael Scally, 34, who tragically died following a single-vehicle collision in Armoy on Sunday evening, 10 December.

A family notice said he was “a much loved son of Ann and the late Kevin, adored father to Caolan and cherished cousin, nephew and friend to so many”. His funeral took place at St. Patrick’s & St. Brigid’s Church, Ballycastle.

And a thanksgiving service takes place tomorrow, 16 December, at Whiteabbey Presbyterian Church for Jordanstown man Adam McAteer, a 45-year-old father-of-three.

Mr McAteer was an award winning architect and keen cyclist who died last Sunday following a collision involving his bicycle and a vehicle in the New Line area of Carrickfergus.

Meanwhile, A serious three vehicle collision took place on the A1, near to Loughbrickland on Wednesday 13 December, closing the road in both directions.

One person was taken to hospital for their injuries. Police are appealing for witnesses or dash-cam footage.