Ireland

Woman (21) who died after being hit by Garda patrol car in Co Donegal is named locally

Rebecca Browne from Derry was struck by vehicle in Buncrana, near to where she was staying, at about 3.15am

Rebecca Browne (21), from Derry, was returning from a function at a local hotel in Buncrana when she was struck by a Garda car at approximately 3.15am.
Rebecca Browne (21), from Derry, was returning from a function at a local hotel in Buncrana when she was struck by a Garda car at approximately 3.15am.
Sun May 21 2023 - 18:55

A young woman who died after she was struck by a Garda car in Co Donegal in the early hours of Sunday morning was returning from a night out while away with friends.

The victim has been named locally as Rebecca Browne (21) from Derry. It is understood she had been staying in Ludden, Buncrana close to where the fatal incident occurred.

It is understood Ms Browne worked at Sage Hair and Beauty based on the Spencer Road in Derry City. Ms Browne was returning from a function at a local hotel in Buncrana when she was struck by a Garda car at approximately 3.15am. The exact circumstances of the collision are not yet known.

Ms Browne died at the scene, which was preserved for a full forensic examination.

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The marked Garda car involved in the incident also remained at the scene and was being technically examined. Pictures of the vehicle shows damage to the bonnet of the car.

The incident was referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (Gsoc) as the collision involved a Garda car.

Local county councillor Jack Murray said the town was in shock. “It was terrible to wake up to the news that somebody had lost their life but when you heard it was a young woman and in such tragic circumstances then that makes it even more tragic.

“The thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with this young woman and her family.

“You also have to think of whoever was driving the car and what they are going through. The entire incident is just so tragic.”

The area where Ms Browne was struck is not covered by street lighting as it is outside of the town boundary.

Buncrana is popular with visitors from nearby Derry just across the border and many have second homes there.

The scene of the incident is close to the entrance for Ludden Beach, between the local Applegreen Service Station and the entrance roundabout into Buncrana.

Friends of the deceased have been leaving messages of sympathy on their social media pages.

Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact them at Buncrana Garda station on 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.