Tributes have been paid to the father and two children tragically killed when their car plunged off the road into Lough Foyle.
They were John Mullan, 49, and his children Tomas, 14, and six-year-old Amelia from Moville, Co Donegal.
John’s wife Geraldine, 45, managed to survive.
The family were returning from a day out in Derry on Thursday night when the vehicle careered down an embankment at Quigley’s Point and into the lough.
Mr Mullan died after becoming trapped in the black Mitsubishi ASX SUV.
The two children managed to get out of the car but perished.
Mrs Mullan was able to climb on to the upturned wreckage of the vehicle from where she was rescued.
She was rushed to Letterkenny University Hospital where her injuries are not life-threatening although gardai say she has been left severely traumatised.
Supt Eugene McGovern of Buncrana Garda station said conditions were poor and the night was wet and windy.
He also revealed how the stretch of road at the Three Trees near Quigley’s Point had recently been resurfaced and investigators will examine if this may have contributed to the tragedy.
Supt McGovern added: “We knew fairly early on that we were dealing with a family situation here and it was very difficult.
“We still don’t know what caused Mr Mullan to veer off the road but we will carry out a full investigation into all the circumstances.
“It was a wet and windy night and the stretch of road where the crash happened had recently been resurfaced so that will form part of our investigation.”
Supt McGovern said the loss of Mr Mullan and the two children had come as a blow to the area.
He added: “It is just difficult to find words for the families involved. Mr and Mrs Mullan’s families have been informed of the situation and that is why we are now releasing their names. This is an awful tragedy for the immediate families but also for the wider community as the family are well known and respected in the locality.”
Meanwhile, Donegal TDs Padraig Mac Lochlainn and Pearse Doherty have expressed the sympathy of the community following the tragedy.
Deputy Mac Lochlainn said: “This is such a heartbreaking tragedy and myself and Deputy Pearse Doherty want to convey our deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the man and two children who have died.
“The people of Inishowen and Donegal have suffered more than most from road tragedies over the years and we have no doubt that our people will do all that we can to support the devastated family at this terrible time and in the time ahead.”
Mr Mullan worked at the Moville garden centre while Mrs Mullan is a nurse at Letterkenny University Hospital.
Both their children attended schools in Moville.
Tomas was entering third year at Moville Community College.
Principal Anthony Doogan said: “Tomas was an extremely popular student. One of my abiding memories of Tomas will be of a young man walking to his music lessons with his accordion slung over his back.
“He will be deeply missed by his family and close friends.”
A friend said the family were quiet and “kept themselves to themselves” but went out of
their way to help anyone in need.
Local county councillor
Martin Farren said he grew up with Mr Mullan and knew the family well.
He added: “It’s impossible to put into words how people are feeling in the community right now, it’s just devastating. You simply couldn’t have met nicer people and anybody will say the same.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time, such a very, very sad time.”
A local priest who attended the scene of the horrific road tragedy on Thursday night told yesterday of the devastation caused.
Fr John Farren, parish priest of Ishkaheen in Muff, said he had comforted the mother who was “hysterical from grief”.
He added: “She was completely shocked, totally distressed and I was with her when we prayed with the three deceased.”
