13-year-old who died in motor racing tragedy named locally
Olivia Kelleher
A 13-year-old girl who died in a crash whilst competing in a motor racing event in Cork has been named locally as Lauren O’Brien of Knockane, Terelton.
Lauren, who attended secondary school in Macroom in Co Cork, was pronounced dead at the scene on Sunday. The alarm was raised at around 3.30pm when her car went out of control and crashed into a barrier at the track.
Gardaí and paramedics rushed to the scene, and efforts were made to save the life of the teenager. A postmortem examination will take place on Monday at Cork University Hospital.
Other young people who were taking part in the heat in which Lauren died were deeply upset by what had occurred.
Large numbers of spectators also witnessed the accident. Gardaí have started taking statements from people who saw the accident unfold.
The scene was preserved for a technical examination. A garda investigation has been launched into the incident. The coroner was notified of the death, and an inquest will be held at a later date. A family liaison office will also be appointed to assist the family.
Racing got underway at 11am and was immediately suspended when the accident happened. It was to involve male, female and junior events.
Irish Racing driver Hanna Celsie posted on social media that she was saddened to hear of the death of the teenager.
“My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young, talented girl who sadly passed away after an accident, racing at an event put on by Cork Autograss Racing Club. RIP.”
Kart Paddock, a social media page which posts karting and motor racing results, said that it would not be posting results “out of respect to the young girl who died.”
“Thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, teams and everyone in the Autograss Racing Club paddock.”
Cork Autograss was formed in 1998 from the West Cork Hotrod club. The club races from CastletownKennnigh Track.
The West Cork Hotrod Club has raced at the Castletownkenneigh track for nearly three decades. A major track extension was carried out in 2010 in conjunction with Castletown Celtic football club, whose pitch is the centre of the track.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to the incident. Anyone who may have camera footage and were attending the event between 3pm and 4pm yesterday are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. The death is being treated as a tragic accident.
