Tears flow for US tourist killed in crash during 'long-awaited' trip to Ireland
Allison Eichner, a mother-of-two from Connecticut, died from injuries she sustained after being struck by a vehicle in the Causeway Road area of Bushmills in Co Antrim at around 12.30pm on Wednesday.
On Friday, a 66-year-old American woman appeared in court charged with causing death by careless driving.
Friends of Ms Eichner, who was in her 40s, have launched a fundraiser to help support her husband and two children in the wake of the tragedy and has so far raised over $58,500 (€50,437).
Maggie Essex, one of the organisers of the fundraiser, said on the GoFundMe page, described Ms Eichner as "truly a beautiful person — inside and out — with a kindness and generosity that radiated through everything she did."
"With heavy hearts, we share the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our dear friend, Allison Eichner," a message shared on the GoFundMe page reads.
"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.
"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.
"To those who knew her well, Allison's quiet sense of humor often caught you off guard — sweet on the surface, with an unexpectedly sharp and hilarious wit, and a wonderfully dirty sense of humor that always made you laugh when you least expected it. She was the person who gave endlessly, never asking for anything in return. Whether it was her time, her love, or just a listening ear over a cup of tea (with gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, of course), Allison was always there.
"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."
Essex said that Ms Eichner's friends have come together to set up the fundraiser to her family pay for "funeral expenses, immediate needs, and to provide some peace of mind as they begin to find their way forward."
"As we process this devastating loss, many have asked how they can help," she said.
"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. Thank you for your love and support."
You can donate to the GoFundMe fundraiser by clicking here.
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