A tragic car accident on the day after Christmas has resulted in the death of a young man and left two teenagers seriously injured in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland. The victim, 20-year-old Padraig McDonald, passed away in the hospital following the crash on Drum Road in Cookstown around 1 am on Friday. One teenager sustained life-altering injuries, while another teenager suffered severe facial wounds.
Chief Inspector Simpson from the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit confirmed the sad news, stating that Padraig McDonald, aged 20 from the Loughmacrory area, succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. The other two occupants of the vehicle, a black Golf and a black Corsa, reportedly escaped serious harm. The investigation is ongoing, and the Drum Road remains closed.
Authorities are urging any witnesses of the accident or individuals with dashcam or CCTV footage to reach out to the Collision Investigation Unit at 101, quoting reference number 30 26/12/25. Sinn Féin MP for West Tyrone, Orfhlaith Begley, expressed condolences to McDonald’s family and friends, acknowledging the devastating loss and emphasizing community support during this challenging time. The MP also commended the emergency services for their swift response and extended well wishes for the speedy recovery of the injured individuals.