THE teenage girl killed in Knocknaheeny has been remembered as being full of sparkle and as a “star in every sense of the word”.

16-year-old Kimberly O'Connor from Harbour View Road in Knocknaheeny was killed in a single vehicle crash just a short distance from her home late on Wednesday night.

She was a passenger in the car.

Another passenger, a 17-year-old boy, is critically ill in hospital following the crash. 

A teenager believed to have been the driver presented himself at hospital for treatment following the crash.

Several bunches of flowers have been placed at the scene of the accident, with tributes paid to the girl known to her friends as Kimmy.

At her school, Terence MacSwiney Community College, a candle was lit in her memory, along with photographs of the popular Transition Year student.

She had recently returned from a volunteering trip to Kolkata with the HOPE Foundation, as part of a group of five from her school.

Today, the sari she wore in India was placed beside the candle and photos.

In a tribute shared on the foundation's Facebook page, the HOPE Foundation said: “The HOPE family are absolutely heartbroken to hear the tragic news of Kimberly O'Connor's passing. 

From the first time we met her, Kimberly was full of sparkle. 

We feel privileged that she shared a special week with HOPE in Kolkata in January 2020.” 

The statement continued: “Kimberly spread love and happiness while adding colours to the lives of vulnerable children supported by HOPE. 

All of our thoughts, love and prayers are with her family, friends and all at Terence MacSwiney Community College as they try to come to terms with such a tragic loss of a beautiful young life. 

Kimberly, you will always be in our hearts.” 

She was also a member of Superstars Stageschool which also paid tribute to her online.

In a Facebook statement, the school described her as a very special person, adding that it was a privilege to have her in the school's community.

The statement added: “Kim was the kindest person you could ever meet, her heart was open to everyone. 

If a new person was joining you could always count on Kim to take them under her wing. 

If the rest of the class stood back from an activity, Kim would confidently give a sigh and say “ok I'll go first”, she was the energy of every class she was in.” 

The statement continued: “Kimberly was also extremely talented with a soulful voice that if you closed your eyes you’d imagine someone much older singing.” 

And the statement said: “Talent came naturally to Kim but she was so humble, she would always root for the other person. 

Kimberly was a star in every sense of the word. 

Beautiful inside and out. 

Kim will always be one of us. 

We will miss her beyond belief and we will never forget her.” 

A garda investigation into the accident is continuing today.