Young woman killed in Belmullet crash

TRAGIC PASSING The late Lauren Padden.

Lauren Padden (22) died when her car struck a ditch near her home

Anton McNulty

THE death of a 22-year-old student teacher in a road traffic collision in Belmullet over the weekend has left the community devastated, according to a local councillor.
Lauren Padden of Shanahee, Belmullet died on Friday evening when a car she was driving collided with a ditch at Corclough West, Belmullet at approximately 9.15pm. Two other passengers in the car, a male and a female who were both aged in their early twenties, were removed to Mayo University Hospital and treated for non-life threatening injuries.
The news of the death left a black cloud over the Belmullet community where Lauren was well-known and a well-respected member of society.
Local councillor SeΡn Carey, who is a family friend and knew Lauren, told a meeting of Mayo County Council on Monday that the news of her death was met with shock in the community and expressed his sympathy to Lauren’s parents Martin and Shelly and brothers, Dara and Paddy.
“I knew Lauren well. She worked locally in the shop and was a student teacher who did her training in the local school in Corclough. Lauren was a wonderful lady with a great sense of humour and was funny and witty and had a very positive attitude. The entire community is devastated after her death and Lauren will be desperately missed by her family and friends and all who knew her. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam,” he said.
Fellow Erris-based councillor Gerry Coyle also expressed his sympathy saying that news of Lauren’s death was ‘just beyond belief’.
“A young girl lost only a short distance from her home. It’s so sad down there. It’s just terrible,” he said.
Lauren’s remains are currently reposing at the family home in Shanahee and her funeral will arrive at the Church of the Holy Family, Carne, Belmullet on Wednesday afternoon for funeral Mass at 2pm, followed by burial in Emlybeg Cemetery.

Tributes
Lauren worked as an instructor in the Irish-language outdoor adventure college, ColΡiste UISCE in Elly Bay and the college paid tribute to her on its Facebook page.
“The ColΡiste UISCE family are heartbroken at the tragic loss of one of our instructors, Lauren. Lauren had an infectious personality, always full of life. She made everyone laugh and was a pleasure to work alongside. She was fond of having a cΡrta dearg or two as well! Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann. Suaimhneas síoraí ort a chara.”
Lauren was also a past pupil of Our Lady’s Secondary School in Belmullet where she completed her Leaving Cert in 2019 and the school also paid tribute to her.
“We are deeply saddened with news of the sudden passing of our past student Lauren Padden. Lauren entered Our Lady’s Secondary School in 2013 and with her infectious smile and endearing personality she made the school a better place every day. Her presence touched the lives of all who were lucky enough to have met her in Our Lady’s and were proud to see her graduate in 2019, full of life, hope and ambition,” the message read on the school Facebook page.
Lauren was pronounced dead at the scene and her body was removed to the mortuary in Mayo University Hospital where a post mortem took place.
The road was closed and local diversions were put in place to allow Garda Forensic Collision investigators conduct their examination of the scene on Saturday morning.
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to come forward and any road users with video footage (including dash cam) is asked to make this available to them.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Belmullet Garda Station on 097 81910, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666111 or any Garda station.