In a tragic turn of events last weekend in Co Donegal, two cousins lost their lives in a heartbreaking car accident. The deceased, Kían Dawson-Kirk and Eoghán Dawson, were involved in a severe collision where their vehicle hit a wall and ended up in a field around Cross in Quigley’s Point, close to midnight on Saturday.
Eyewitnesses claim that the young men were out for a drive across the Border. The unfortunate incident saw Kían, 16 years old and sitting in the front seat, pass away at the crash site. His cousin Eoghán, the 20-year-old driver, survived the initial crash, but, sadly, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday afternoon at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.
The bereaved family, residents of Carnhill in Derry, which is located near the crash site, are devastated by the incident. They tentatively described the event on the GoFundMe platform, where they are seeking financial assistance to handle the burial costs, as “a quick trip to their favourite place ended in a horrific tragedy”.
As of Tuesday evening, the online fundraiser had collected more than £11,000 sterling. Mourning the loss of Eoghán and Kían, they noted, “Two beautiful cousins Eoghán, 20, and Kían, 16, were involved in a fatal road accident and now will remain forever young.”
The Dawson cousins’ demise increases the total fatality count to 10 on roads in Donegal this year.
Kían’s funeral arrangements have been scheduled for Thursday morning in Carnhill. He leaves behind his parents, Emmett and Fiona, sister Abaígael, and an extended network of family and friends.
Meanwhile, the Gardaí are urging anyone who might have witnessed the accident to come forward. They are particularly appealing to those who may possess video footage of the accident, including dashcam footage, to share it with the investigating officers. Any additional information can be shared with Buncrana Garda station at 074 9320540 or any Garda station, or anonymously on the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.