25 years on, Tyrone families remember drowning tragedy

CHARLIE McCausland from Killyclogher was a hero whose bravery 25 years ago cost him his life in a tragic drowning accident.

It was a gloriously sunny Sunday afternoon at the end of May 2000 when he jumped into the River Bann at Coleraine in a desperate attempt to rescue a young family friend.

Tragically, both Charlie and 14-year-old Colin Kitchener from Newtownstewart lost their lives.

Now, a quarter of a century on, Charlie’s sister Veronica Hawkes and the rest of the family are remembering and honouring a much-loved brother.

Originally from the Killycurragh area between Killyclogher and Mountfield, Charlie was the son of Oswald and Kathleen McCausland. He attended St Mary’s Primary School in Killyclogher and later St Patrick’s High School.

His sister recalls a man who was known for helping others, no matter what.

“Charlie was someone who would do anything for anyone,” said Veronica. “He was very helpful, yet easily led. He was no angel and got into a bit of trouble, but he had a good heart.”

On the day of the Omagh bomb – August 15, 1998 – Charlie was in the town and used his car to take injured people to the Tyrone County Hospital. For his actions that day, he received a certificate of commendation from the police.

By 2000, the father-of-six had moved to Coleraine.

The day he died is still vivid in Veronica’s memory.

“We were at home that Sunday afternoon when the phone rang. The word was that Charlie was in the water and they were looking for him,” she recalled.

“It was a lovely day – very much like the weather now. That was about 2pm, and we still had hope.

“But after 7pm, my brother-in-law came to the door to say he had been found. He was dead.

“It was surreal… so hard to take in. We didn’t want to believe it, but it was true.”

Veronica’s husband, Geoff, and her brother Ollie travelled to Antrim Area Hospital to identify Charlie’s remains.

Hundreds of people attended his wake and funeral at St Mary’s Church in Killyclogher. The family were unable to attend Colin’s wake because of the large crowds paying respects at their home.

Veronica still wonders about the what-ifs.

“A couple of weeks before, he phoned asking for a lift home. I didn’t go for him and I often wonder, if I had, would he still be alive? But those are the ifs in life.

“We didn’t understand it at the time… how he went into the water knowing he wasn’t a strong swimmer. But that was Charlie. He didn’t stop to think – he just wanted to help.”

Veronica never attended the inquest, unable to face the young girl who, according to one witness, had nudged Colin Kitchener into the water.

“I thought, only for her, Charlie would still be alive,” she said.

There’s also regret that Charlie didn’t live to see his children – Michael, Jamie, Charlie, Lucinda, Justin and Katrina – grow up and become parents themselves.

“He’s missed out on being a grandfather,” Veronica said. “But he went the right way… doing good for someone else.”

Veronica’s husband Geoff, who was Charlie’s best friend growing up, added, “Only for Charlie, I might never have met Veronica. We lived fields apart and our love blossomed. We mark his anniversary every year without fail. It’s good to remember him.”

Last weekend’s deaths of two teenagers who drowned in Buncrana brought the memories flooding back.

“It shows the danger of water. Things happen so quickly,” said Veronica. “That’s how it was for us. And I really feel for the families in Donegal. Their sons were even younger than Charlie. He had 29 years. They had their whole lives ahead of them.”