Irish couple amongst three killed in automobile crash on Malaga vacation as fourth fights for all times
Mark McCullagh and Michaela Newcombe, who were both in their early 30s were killed along with Amy McCullagh, who was married to Mark’s brother, Ian – Ian is crically ill
L-R Ian McCullagh, Amy Wallace, Michaela Newcombe and Mark McCullagh
The Irish victims of the Spanish holiday road tragedy have now been identified locally in their home town. All hailed from Mullingar in Co Westmeath, including a young couple.
The couple were Mark McCullagh and Michaela Newcombe, both in their early 30s. The third victim was Amy McCullagh, who was married to Mark’s brother, Ian, reports the Irish Mirror. Ian, aged 35, survived the horrific crash near Malaga in southern Spain in the early hours of Sunday morning. As of Monday afternoon, he is critically ill in a Spanish hospital.
He and Amy tied the knot in southern Spain in a ceremony in August 2024. Ms Newcombe was employed at a beauty salon in the Westmeath town, where she held the position of head receptionist.
The salon, named Havan Sun Mullingar, is closed today as a sign of respect for her. Friends of Ms Newcombe have been posting tributes to her on social media.
One wrote: “Heartbreaking is an understatement, such a kind caring beautiful soul. Michaela was full of life so talented in every way, the gift of the gab, always smiling always a kind word for everyone she met.
“She touched every person she met in this life and I for one am so happy I got to know her over the past few years in Havana, condolences to her family’s friends and all you girls at Havana .. it’s Gona be hard go back in not seeing her beautiful big smile there ..rip to an angel.”
Another expressed: “I’m so sorry for the loss of your colleague Michaela she was always so nice & smiling anytime I was in – thinking of her family & friends absolutely heartbreaking.”
And another shared: “Can’t believe the news. Such a beautiful soul. I’m so sorry to all of you on such a sad loss, her big smile and bubbly personality will be missed so incredibly in there. Prayers for all of you and Michaela’s family. So glad I got to know her, rest in peace Michaela xxx”.
Two vehicles collided on the A7 motorway at 2.38am, according to Spanish authorities, with one of the vehicles subsequently plunging down an embankment adjacent to the road.
Emergency services, including firefighters and officers from the Guardia Civil, were dispatched to the scene. Minister of State and TD for Co Westmeath, Robert Troy, who knows one of the affected families, said they received the “absolutely devastating” news on Sunday evening.
“I spoke to them yesterday and needless to say they’re absolutely devastated,” he told RTÉ. It’s the worst of phone calls to get, they only went on holidays at the end of last week.”
He added: “Our thoughts are with that family and indeed all families affected and all we can do is hold them in our thoughts and prayers as they come to terms with this great loss.”
He also stated that the local community was equally “devastated” and “saddened” by the news.
The Department of Foreign Affairs confirmed it was offering consular assistance to the families involved.
“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of this incident in Spain, and is currently providing consular assistance to the families involved.
“The Department does not comment on the specifics of individual cases.”
