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Dad and son killed in horror crash days after Christmas as tributes pour in

Loughlin Devlin and his father Peter Devlin were tragically killed in a two-vehicle collision in Co Armagh, Northern Ireland, on Friday afternoon, just days after Christmas

Peter and Loughlin Devlin
Peter and Loughlin Devlin tragically passed away during in incident (Image: Family photo)

A “devoted dad” and his “beloved son” have been named as the tragic victims of a two-car smash on Friday afternoon.

The local community has identified them as Peter Devlin and his son Loughlin Devlin. The horrific incident, which also left four others injured including a baby and a woman in critical condition, is being labelled an “unthinkable tragedy”. The crash, involving an Audi and a Mercedes, took place on Killylea Road in Co Armagh and was reported to emergency services just before 12.45pm on December 27, according to Belfast Live.

A Requiem Mass for the late father and son will be held on New Year’s Day at noon, at the Church of St Joseph, Tynan. Parish priest Father Sean Moore shared the community’s shock with the BBC, saying: “It is an awful shock to the community, the community is in total shock.”

County Armagh, Northern Ireland
The crash took place in County Armagh, Northern Ireland

Loughlin Devlin, a married father-of-one from Milford, and his father Peter, a father-of-four, are mourned in family notices Loughlin is remembered as the “beloved husband to Shauna and loving father of Brodie, cherished son of Ursula and the late Peter and brother of Frankie, may they rest in peace”. Peter is honoured as the “beloved husband to Ursula (nee Guy) and loving father of Frankie and the late Loughlin and son of the late Sean and Brigid”, reports the Mirror.

The Mayor of Armagh, Banbridge and Craigavon Council said the Christmas spirit completely vanished after a devastating car crash left several dead during the festive season. Councillor Sarah Duffy announced: “This Christmas season, which is meant to bring families together in joy and celebration, has been overshadowed by an unimaginable tragedy in our community. Today, we mourn the heartbreaking loss of lives due to a devastating road traffic collision.”

The Mayor commented on the importance of road safety: “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the importance of road safety, especially during the holiday season when our roads are often busier. I urge everyone to take extra care, whether driving, cycling, or walking, and to ensure that we protect ourselves and those around us.”

Following the devastating incident, Inspector Cherith Adair from the Collision Investigation Unit urgently called for witnesses: “Police received a report shortly before 12:45pm yesterday, Friday 27th December, of a collision involving a dark grey Audi and a black Mercedes. Officers attended, alongside our colleagues from partner emergency services. Both men died at the scene. Four others, including a baby, were taken to hospital for medical treatment.”

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In her plea for more information, Adair stated: “Collision Investigation Unit detectives are investigating the circumstances of the collision, and would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage which could assist with our enquiries. You can call 101 and quote reference 740 of 27/12/24.

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