THE heartrbroken family of the teenage girl killed in last night's horror crash in Knocknaheeny say their lives are shattered by her death.

16-year-old Kimberly O'Connor from Harbour View Road died last night in a crash just a short distance from her home. Three males were also injured, one critically.

In a statement this afternoon, her mother Jennifer and other family members said she was popular and generous and “really loved by all her family, peers and teachers”.

The family added: “Our lives are shattered today and it's difficult to put into words how we are feeling.” They say they are praying for those injured in the crash “and ask for all your prayers at this very sad time.” Their statement opened: “Our Kimberly had a bright future and was a very kind and generous person who was loved by so many people. She had just returned from Kolkata in January with the HOPE Foundation with her school at Terence McSwiney College where she raised funds and participated in the HOPE U Can Paint Project there visiting and painting local orphanages in Kolkata.” 

The statement added: “She was also involved in an exchange programme with Cooperation Ireland visiting Belfast and engaging in cross border projects and relationships working with students in the North of Ireland.” 

The statement continued: “Kimberly had a great interest in drama and singing and was very talented and a great career lay ahead of her. She also played a leading role in two musicals in the Terence McSwiney Community College over the last 2 years with her friends and teachers.” Gardai are continuing to investigate the accident.