Family of ‘loveable' & ‘bubbly' young girl, 13, killed in Cork motorsport tragedy issue emotional thank you message
THE family of a 13-year-old girl who died in an auto grass racing event in Cork have issued a heartbreaking thank you to emergency services.
Lauren O'Brien of Knockane, Tarelton was driving a hatchback car in a junior competition at a private car racing track in Castletown Kennigh on Sunday afternoon.
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Lauren's heartbroken family thanked the emergency services
Credit: RIP.ie Collect
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McEgan College have led tributes to the young teen
Credit: Social Media Collect
The teenager's vehicle went out of control and
Lauren, who was a first year student at McEgan College in Macroom in Co
She was one of four competitors in the junior event which was held in conjunction with a big number of races on a sunny afternoon when tragedy struck.
Other young people who were taking part in the heat during which Lauren died were deeply upset by what had occurred.
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Members of her family who were watching the race were quickly with her at the scene.
Large numbers of spectators also witnessed the accident.
Lauren was wearing the full protective gear that competitors are required to wear in these events, including a helmet.
This was just her second time competing in the motorsport and her principal Trish Lynam said "she was so so proud being able to compete in this particular area'.
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She described Lauren as 'a beautiful girl, both inside and out, bubbly, fun-loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue'.
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Grief experts from the National Educational Psychological Service were made available to pupils in the school, which opened on Bank Holiday Monday where photos of Lauren were placed on tables in the entrance area along with a book of condolences.
A postmortem will be carried out today, after which it is expected the family will bring Lauren home.
On the death notice this morning on RIP.ie they state: 'It is with deepest regret that we announced the death of our beloved daughter Lauren, who died unexpectedly on 4th of May 2025, surrounded by her family, following an accident.
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They added: "Lauren's family would like to thank the Emergency Services, The Cork Autograss Community and all those who helped."
They have asked for family flowers only with donations to West Cork Rapid Response.
Lauren is survived by her parents Therese and Timmy, her siblings Josh and Shannon, her grandparents Christy, Therese, Connie and Ellen along with a large extended family and friends.
'FLY HIGH BEAUTIFUL GIRL'
Messages of condolence have flooded in following the
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One mourner said 'Fly beautiful girl and guide your family through the dark days ahead'.
Another added: "Lauren was such a lovely girl who always had a smile when we met. No words can ease your pain but you are all in our prayers."
Another person said: "Lauren was a kind, bubbly, loveable girl who lit up any room with her beautiful smile and vibrant personality.
"It was a privilege to have known her. May her gentle soul rest in peace."
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Gardai are continuing their investigation into the tragic accident. Forensic investigation experts finished their examination at the scene yesterday.
Following the examination two damaged cars, Lauren's and another which drove into the rear of Lauren's car when it hit the barrier were removed in late afternoon.
They will undergo an intensive examination by Garda experts.
LOCAL SUPPORT
Locals brought flowers to the track which surrounds the Castletown Celtic soccer pitch yesterday.
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A vigil was held last night attended by members of the close knit rural community and members of the autocross and other sports clubs in the area.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident.
Anyone who may have camera footage and were attending the event between 3pm and 4pm yesterday are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on (023) 8852200, the
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The death is being treated as a tragic accident.
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The tragedy unfolded at the track on Sunday afternoon
Credit: Denis Boyle
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