Tributes have been paid to six-year-old schoolboy who died after being involved in a crash last week.
Ethan McCourt, from the Toome area, sadly passed away from his injuries on Saturday in hospital following a collision at the Castledawson Road roundabout in Magherafelt, five days previous, on June 20.
It's understood, Ethan who was traveling in the car with his father, was on his way to school in Bellaghy at the time of the incident. His father Declan remains in hospital receiving treatment for his injuries.
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The Bellaghy Primary School Parent Teacher Association said: "I was so saddened to hear of the passing of six year old Ethan McCourt, a pupil of St. Mary’s Primary School, Bellaghy, following that tragic accident last week.
"I can not begin to imagine the impact of this devastating news on his family and the school community of St. Mary’s.
"As a school family at Bellaghy P.S., we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Ethan’s family circle, his friends and staff members at St. Mary’s P.S."
The Derry Diocesan Catechetical Centre added: "We offer our deepest sympathy to the family of Ethan McCourt, a pupil at Saint Mary’s PS, Bellaghy. We ask our diocesan school community Diocese of Derry to keep Ethan’s family, friends and school community in their prayers. May he rest in peace, in the loving arms of God."
Sinn Féin MLA Emma Sheerin said: “The community is filled with shock and sadness at the death of local boy Ethan McCourt following a road accident at the Castledawson roundabout last Monday.
“I extend my deepest condolences to his family, friends and teammates at Bellaghy GAC at this sad and difficult time. The whole community will rally around them."
Another wrote: "From all accounts, Ethan was a lovely wee lad who enjoyed playing with his friends in school and getting to see his Grandparents."
Meanwhile, Wolfe Tones Baile Eachaidh GAC wrote on social media: "We are devastated to learn the news that our underage player Ethan McCourt has sadly passed to his eternal rest following an accident earlier this week. Deepest condolences to his parents Oonagh & Declan & extended McKenna & McCourt families.
Ar dheis de go raibh a anam dilis.
"His Father Declan remains in our thoughts as he continues to receive treatment in hospital."
Ethan's funeral is due to be held on Tuesday, June 2 at 11.00am Mass of the Angels in Church of St. Mary Bellaghy.
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