‘Fondly remembered forever' – Cork community in shock as family pay tribute to ‘darling' motorsport crash victim, 13

The Sun

18-05-2025

TEEN motorsport crash victim Lauren O'Brien's 'vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever', her school said today.
Tributes have been paid to the 13-year-old, who died while competing in a Cork Autograss Racing Club event on Sunday.
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Her vehicle crashed at a private race track in Castletown-Kinneigh, around 20km from Bandon in west Cork, at around 3.30pm.
Lauren was competing in only her second ever race when her hatchback car went out of control as she approached a bend and hit a steel barrier.
The young racer, from Knockane, near Tarelton, died at the scene and her body was taken to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem examination.
Lauren was a first-year student at McEgan College in Macroom, with principal Trish Lynam telling how the youngster loved motorsport.
She added: 'It was only her second race but she was so, so proud being able to compete in this particular area.'
Autograss racing involves buggies or specially modified cars — with Lauren one of four junior drivers taking part in a qualification event.
It was being held in conjunction with a number of other races.
Large numbers of spectators, including members of her family, witnessed the horrific accident.
And other youngsters who were taking part in the heat were deeply upset by what occurred.
Safety marshals rushed to help and, within 15 minutes, a HSE ­helicopter ambulance, an emergency department doctor and an advanced paramedic were at the scene.
Racing, which got underway at 11am, was immediately suspended when the accident happened.
TAKING STATEMENTS
Gardai preserved the scene for a technical examination, which took place today.
Officers have begun taking statements from people who saw the shocking accident unfold.
The Coroner was notified of the death and an inquest will be held at a later date.
A family liaison officer has been appointed to help relatives.
TRIBUTES PAID
Paying tribute, her school said: 'Lauren was a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun-loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue.'
In a statement on Facebook, they added: 'She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community.
'We extend our deepest sympathy to her loving family, her parents Therese and Timmy, her brother Josh, who is a second-year student at our school, sister Shannon, and all those who loved Lauren and had the privilege of knowing her.'
And the principal, Ms Lynam, said Lauren had 'that special quality that people look for in students', adding that she was 'fierce popular'.
GRIEF SUPPORT
She told RTE: 'From day one, we ­recognised she was a special person.
"She was so full of life, a beautiful, kind-hearted, popular person with both her peers and her teachers.'
McEgan College opened for three hours on the bank holiday today to support devastated classmates.
It followed a meeting of the school's critical incident team.
'TAKEN SO QUICKLY'
Ms Lynam said: 'A lot of parents did accompany their child in because parents are struggling also.
"It's not something we've experienced, for someone so young to be taken so quickly from us.'
Grief experts from the National ­Educational Psychological Service will be available for Lauren's friends to chat to today.
Irish racing driver Hanna Celsie also paid tribute to the teenager.
SENATOR'S WORDS
She posted: 'My heart goes out to the family and friends of this young talented girl who sadly past away after an accident, racing at an event put on by Cork Autograss Racing Club. RIP.'
Cork Sinn Fein senator Nicole Ryan said she was 'heartbroken'.
She wrote on Facebook: 'Lauren's passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten.
'My deepest condolences to her family, friends, and all affected by this terrible loss.'
'UNIMAGINABLE' LOSS
And the Road Race Alliance of Ireland, which represents two and three-wheeled motorsports, also extended its sympathies to Lauren's family and friends.
They said: 'We are all part of one wider motorsport family, and today, we grieve together.
'Lauren was a young girl with a brave heart and a passion for racing.
'Her loss is unimaginable, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to her family, her friends, her fellow competitors, and everyone who knew and loved her.
'HEARTBREAK'
'When a tragedy like this happens, it ripples through every paddock, every track, and every corner of the racing world.
"No matter what we ride or drive, we all understand the love, the risk, and the heartbreak that comes with this sport.'
Meanwhile, Kart Paddock, a social media page which posts karting and motor racing results, said that it would not be posting results 'out of respect to the young girl who died'.
They said: 'Thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, teams and everyone in the Autograss Racing Club paddock.'
'DARLING DAUGHTER'
The family paid their own tribute to Lauren as they announced her passing, and called her their "darling daughter".
They said: "It is with deepest regret that we announce the death of our beloved daughter Lauren, who died unexpectedly on the 4th of May 2025, surrounded by her family, following an accident.
"Lauren's family would like to thank the Emergency Services, The Cork Autograss Community and all those who helped."
They added that Lauren will be sadly missed by her brother and sister, parents, grandparents, godparents, extended family and wide circle of friends.
RACING CLUB
Cork Autograss Club was formed in 1998 by members of the West Cork Hot Rod club.
It races from the Castletown ­Kennigh Track, part of a wider community complex that includes a soccer pitch.
Night races are also held at the track, which is fully floodlit.
A major track extension was ­carried out in 2010 in conjunction with Castletown Celtic Football Club, whose pitch is in its centre.
GARDA APPEAL
Autograss racing sees competitors take to a loose surface track in a wide variety of vehicles.
The sport caters for competitors from the age of 12 upwards.
Gardai are appealing for witnesses to the incident.
Anyone who was at the event between 3pm and 4pm on Sunday and has video footage are asked to make this available to officers investigating the tragedy.
A Garda spokesperson said: 'Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon Garda Station on [phone], the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.'
Lauren's death is being treated by cops as a tragic accident.
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