CT woman dies in Northern Ireland crash. She was known as ‘truly a beautiful person inside and out'
A Windsor woman, wife and mother of two died after being struck by a car while vacationing in Northern Ireland.
The news of the passing of Allison Eichner last Wednesday was confirmed by two European news organization and a GoFundMe drive back home in Connecticut.
'With heavy hearts, we share the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our dear friend, Allison Eichner. Allison was truly a beautiful person — inside and out — with a kindness and generosity that radiated through everything she did. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and truly cared for,' the GoFundMe post said.
'Allison was a devoted wife to Dan and an amazing mom to their two beautiful boys, Sean and Joey. Her love for her family was limitless, and her greatest joy was being their rock, their safe place, and their biggest cheerleader,' it said.
The GoFundMe account had raised just shy of $50,000 on Sunday morning with a goal of $65,000.
'Just days ago, Allison was on a long-awaited, special trip to Ireland to explore her heritage. What was meant to be a time of joy and exploration ended far too soon in an unimaginable tragedy,' the GoFundMe post stated.
'As we process this devastating loss, many have asked how they can help. This GoFundMe has been created to support Dan, Sean, and Joey — to help with funeral expenses, immediate needs, and to provide some peace of mind as they begin to find their way forward.'
'If you can give, thank you. If you can share, thank you. Most of all, please keep Allison's family in your thoughts and prayers,' the post concluded.
According to Irish Star reporting, Eichner 'died after being hit by a car near the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland on Tuesday' and 'was struck by a car near a hotel in Bushmills, Co Antrim. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said they treated her at the scene before rushing her to Causeway Hospital. She later died.'
According to the Irish Star reporting, one person was taken into custody and was cooperative following the collision.
According to the news site Independent, 'Cathy Stewart, 66, a special needs teacher from Benton, Illinois, lost control of an electric vehicle as she parked it outside a hotel in Bushmills.'
Steward appeared in Northern Ireland court last week after being charged with causing death by careless driving, according to the Independent.
According to Independent reporting on Friday, 'The vehicle was described as having 'suddenly bolted forward' into furniture, striking Allison Eichner, aged in her 40s and from Connecticut, on Wednesday afternoon.'
According to the Independent reporting Eichner's family watched Friday's court proceedings remotely last week. 'Stewart was granted bail on a number of conditions, including residing at her home address in Illinois and a (5,000 pound) cash surety, in recognition that the case is unlikely to be heard until 2026 at the earliest.'
According to the Independent, a police constable spoke in court.
'On Wednesday June 11, at approximately a quarter past 12 in the afternoon, a single-vehicle road traffic collision occurred at the front of the Causeway Hotel on the Causeway Road in Bushmills,' she told the court, according to the Independent.
'It involved a grey Ford Transit, a multiple person vehicle, being driven by the defendant. The defendant collided with the pedestrian while she sat on a bench at the front of the property,' the Independent reported.
The constable said Eichner was rushed to Causeway Hospital but died from her injuries a short time later.
'CCTV footage of the collision was obtained from the hotel, and it shows a Ford Transit being parked in the disabled parking bay after which the passengers get out and make their way into the hotel entrance,' the constable told the court, according to the Independent.
'The driver's door appears to open slightly as though the driver was exiting the vehicle, however the vehicle moves forward slowly, and then suddenly bolts forward colliding with a light fixture, outdoor dining furniture and the victim who was sitting beside her brother on a bench.
'Her brother jumped out of the way but unfortunately the injured party sustained the full impact of the vehicle.
'The defendant was cautioned at the scene and gave an account consistent with the CCTV. The defendant stated she believed she had turned the car off before attempting to exit and as it rolled forward she tried to apply the foot brake however instead she hit the accelerator causing the collision,' the Independent reported.
The constable said Stewart 'cooperated fully and appeared remorseful.' The constable said it was a rental vehicle, and Stewart had never driven an electric or hybrid vehicle before. Stewart was given bail, according to the Independent reporting.
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