Omagh family’s heartbreak after couple killed in US rail tragedy

AN Omagh-born father whose 21-year-old son was tragically killed in the United States says his entire family has been left ‘absolutely devastated’ by the loss.

Cian Cassidy and his girlfriend, Summer Griffin, died after being struck by a train near their homes in Maryland earlier this month.

Members of the Cassidy family travelled from Co Tyrone for the funeral, which took place last week.

Cian’s father Frankie Cassidy, who lives in the US, has since erected a cross at the scene of the tragedy and has spoken of the deep grief being felt both in America and back home in Omagh.

“It has been extremely hard to accept that someone so young and full of life is now gone,” he told the Ulster Herald.

“Cian was making his way in life – he had his own car, his own job, and was talking about getting his own home.

“We are all taking some consolation from the words of a woman who was near Cian and Summer when they died. She said they looked really happy together.”

The train was carrying 100 passengers when the tragedy occurred.

The track was closed for several hours while first responders and investigators worked at the scene.

Describing his son as ‘an incredible young man’, Mr Cassidy said Cian was known for his kind heart, infectious smile and love for his family and friends.

“His passing has left an immeasurable void in our hearts and our lives,” he said. “It’s tough to take for all of us, both here in America and back in Omagh.”

Cian had been working in a sports store and had also found success buying and selling sneakers online. He was passionate about fashion and had played ice hockey as a teenager.

Cian had visited Ireland regularly as a child to see his grandmother Teresa, as well as his aunts and uncles. His uncle Brian flew out to the US within hours of hearing the tragic news, and his aunts Paula and Ann Marie have been in close contact with the family in Thurmont, Maryland.

An online fundraiser launched to help with funeral and memorial expenses has raised more than $25,000. The family also hope to hold a memorial service for Cian in the Sacred Heart Church in Omagh later this year.

“Cian was over in Ireland many times through the years to see the rest of the family,” Frankie added.

“When I called Brian to tell him what had happened, he came over immediately. Thank God he did, because family is different.

“The number of people who have sent messages of support has been absolutely amazing. Friends from home, and even from England, Australia and Spain, have been in touch. When you experience something like this, those calls and messages mean so much.”