Donegal in mourning as "devoted" mum and daughter (6) killed in road tragedy

The collision, involving a van and a car, took place on the R240 at Carrowmore in Glentogher, Carndonagh, before 6.30 pm on Wednesday.

Six-year-old Ella McLaughlin was killed in the crash. Her mum Natalie was rushed to Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, but she sadly also passed away.

Two other members of the family are being treated for their injuries in separate hospitals.

Tributes have poured in for the tragic mum and daughter, with Sinn Fein TD Padraig Mac Lochlainn writing: "Such heartbreaking news this morning about another tragedy on our roads in Donegal.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young girl who has died outside Carndonagh and all of those who are seriously injured."

Six-year-old Ella McLaughlin died at the scene of the crash on Wednesday when a car collided with a van on the R240 at Glentogh, Carndonagh. Natalie's partner, who is in his 30s, and her other two-year-old daughter are being treated in hospital for non-life-threatening injuries. pic.twitter.com/LpUBVpBNPw

— Mary (@Mary0308Mary) July 4, 2025

SDLP’s Mark H Durkan said: "This is the beautiful young mum and daughter, Natalie and Ella McLaughlin, who were tragically killed in a collision near their home in Carndonagh on Wednesday night.

"Natalie was a nurse in a local doctor’s surgery and was well known and respected in the area. Wee Ella was just six."

He added: "Our thoughts and prayers are with all affected by this terrible tragedy."

Meanwhile, Inish Theatre Group said there are "no words to ease such sorrow."

They said: "It is with the deepest sadness that we at Inish Theatre Group extend our heartfelt condolences following the heartbreaking loss of little Ella McLaughlin and her devoted mother, Natalie McLaughlin, in the tragic accident this week.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their family, friends, and all those who knew and loved them. There are no words to ease such sorrow, but we stand in quiet solidarity with everyone affected by this unimaginable loss."

They added: "In times like these, we are reminded how precious life is. Please hold your loved ones a little tighter today and every day, and never take a moment for granted. May Ella and Natalie rest in eternal peace."

Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to the tragic collision to come forward.

Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) and were traveling in the area between 6 pm and 6.30 pm on Wednesday, 2nd July, 2025, are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Buncrana Garda Station at 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.

* This article was originally published on Extra.ie.