Tributes paid to Aaron Harkin following tragic road death

TRIBUTES have poured in for Aaron Harkin who tragically lost his life in a road collision on the A5 near Strabane yesterday.

The young man died after the Volkswagen Transporter van he was driving was involved in a collision with a red Scania cement lorry on the Victoria Road, at around 3.25pm.

The driver of the lorry was taken to hospital to receive treatment and the Victoria Road was closed overnight as enquiries were conducted at the scene.

Paying tribute social media, the SDLP’s Daniel McCrossan MLA said, “My sincerest and deepest thoughts and prayers are with the Harkin family tonight, his mum, brothers, sisters, Aaron’s partner Chloe, his friends and all who knew him.

“There are no words for such a difficult loss. It’s heart breaking.

“The prayers of this entire community are with you all. May he Rest in Peace.”

Speaking on behalf of Sinn Féin, West Tyrone MLA, Maolíosa McHugh said, “Aaron’s tragic death at such a young age is truly heart-breaking and has shocked and saddened the entire community.

“I wish to extend my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to his immediate and wider family circle and friends at this very difficult time.”

Life After, a group who help people bereaved as a result of road accidents, also expressed their condolences.

“We at Life After offer our deepest sympathies to Aaron’s family and wish you God’s richest blessings in the days and months ahead with the reassurance that we are there to offer support and assistance if or when required,” a spokesperson for the group said on Facebook.

The Strabane Playclub said the tragedy has “totally devastated” the community.

Officers from the Collision Investigation Unit are appealing to anyone who was driving in the area on Tuesday afternoon and witnessed the collision or who may have captured dash-cam footage which could assist with their enquiries to contact them at Sprucefield on 101 quoting reference number 1269 07/12/21.