Widespread tributes for mother and two children killed in Co Fermanagh shooting

There have been widespread tributes after the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed on Thursday, July 24, that the three victims of the shooting in Maguiresbridge, Co Fermanagh, on Wednesday are Vanessa Whyte and her two children, Sara Rutledge and James Rutledge.

Vanessa, a native of Barefield in Co Clare, and one of her children were pronounced dead at the scene on Wednesday, July 23, while the other child died later in the hospital.

The PSNI said on Wednesday that a fourth person was hospitalized in serious condition; it is understood this person is still hospitalized.

“All four had sustained gunshot wounds," Superintendent Robert McGowan said on Wednesday, "and I can confirm that all four individuals are from the same household."

"Devoted mother"

Leading tributes on Thursday was Northern Ireland's Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), where Vanessa was a member of the Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group.

DAERA Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey said: “It is with deep regret that DAERA has learned about the death of our colleague, Vanessa Whyte. We are deeply saddened by the passing of her and her children in these tragic circumstances.

"Vanessa was a valued member of our Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group and a hugely respected member of the veterinary profession. She will be greatly missed by all who worked alongside her.

"On behalf of the Department, we offer our sincere condolences to her family, friends, and all those in the community impacted by her and her children’s deaths. They will remain in our thoughts and prayers in the difficult days and months ahead as they and we come to terms with the loss.”

Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher said: “Vanessa was a highly respected member of the DAERA Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group, a devoted mother and an active member of her local community.

"Many of us had the privilege of knowing Vanessa personally, and she was hugely admired by all those who came across her.

"The loss we feel today is immense, and it has profoundly affected us.

"The next few days, weeks, and months will be difficult for all who knew her – especially her family.

"We are thinking of her family, friends, and neighbours at this time and we ask that people give everyone the time and space to come to terms with their loss at this difficult time.”

"Much loved friend"

Lakeland Veterinary Services, where Vanessa previously worked, said it is "devastated" by the sad death of Vanessa and her children.

"Vanessa was a much loved friend and former colleague, a great vet, respected by all the local farming community. She was full of life and enthusiasm, a hard worker who made everyone feel at ease.

"Vanessa was a loving and devoted mother and her untimely and tragic passing has left a void that can never be filled.

"Our thoughts and prayers are with their family and close friends at this very sad time."

"Vibrant and much valued"

Elizabeth Armstrong, the principal of Enniskillen Royal Gramamr School where Sara, 13, and James, 14, were pupils, said in a statement on Thursday: "Following the release of names by the PSNI, it is with a very heavy heart and much sadness that we mourn the loss of two vibrant and much valued pupils, James and Sara Rutledge, who died in tragic circumstances on Wednesday.

"Both James and Sara engaged fully and very successfully in school life and enriched our school community enormously.

“Our Senior Leadership Team and pastoral staff are working with the Education Authority Critical Incident Team to support our school community of pupils and staff at this difficult time.

“The support team will be available for pupils and staff on the Cooper Crescent Site on Friday 25th July from 9:30 am.

“I know that our school community will hold each other close in this time of loss.”

"Shocked and saddened"

St. Joseph's Doora-Barefield GAA Club, in Vanessa's native Co Clare, said on Thursday that it was "shocked and saddened" to hear of the passing of Barefield native Vanessa and her two "beautiful" children.

"The Whyte family have a long association with our club, with Vanessa's late father Joe part of our first ever country hurling winning team of 1954," the club wrote on social media on Thursday.

"Her brothers Steve and Ivor also represented the club at all grades and among their honours were intermediate hurling championships in 1993 and 2016 respectively.

"Vanessa was also a very accomplished camogie player and represented the club as did her sisters."

The club extended its "heartfelt sympathies" to the extended Whyte family, and added that there will be a prayer service in Barefield Church between 7 pm and 8 pm on Sunday evening.

Misinformation

Elsewhere on Thursday, the PSNI said in a statement that they are "aware of ongoing speculation and the sharing of imagery on social media in relation to the shooting incident in Maguiresbridge."

The PSNI asked that "people refrain from sharing misinformation or images as this may ultimately have a negative impact on the criminal justice process."