First picture of Clare mum killed alongside ‘lovely natured' son and daughter in Fermanagh shooting horror
A murder inquiry has been launched following the deaths of Vanessa Whyte, 40s, and her two children James and Sarah.
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Vanessa worked as a vet within the Department for Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs in Enniskillen, but was originally from Ennis in Co Clare.
It is understood police are liaising with relatives in Clare.
The shock incident took place in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge early Wednesday morning.
A fourth person, a man, remains in serious condition in hospital today.
Police confirmed yesterday that all four individuals suffered gunshot wounds and were members of the same household.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it received a 999 call from inside the house at 8.21am on Wednesday.
Three emergency ambulances, one rapid response paramedic, two ambulance officers and an ambulance doctor were dispatched to the scene.
Two people were pronounced dead at the scene yesterday and a third person died in hospital.
PSNI Superintendent Robert McGowan said the incident was ongoing when police arrived at the scene on Wednesday morning.
It is understood police are now probing a triple murder and attempted suicide line of inquiry following the shooting.
Vanessa, Jack and Sarah were avid sport fans, with local clubs rushing to pay tribute yesterday.
'BELOVED MEMBERS OF OUR CLUB'
Local GAA club St Mary's Maguiresbridge said yesterday they would be providing support for the local community.
In a heartbreaking statement on social media they confirmed the deceased were active members of the club.
They said: St Mary's Maguiresbridge "GFC offer our heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of those impacted by the tragic incident which happened in our community this morning.
"We are working with the GAA at county, provincial and national level, to implement the Association's critical incident protocols.
"We will work closely with all appropriate services to ensure that those who require support at this difficult time can access it.
"The deceased were all active and beloved members of our club.
"We will not be making any further comment at this difficult time."
'LOVELY NATURED CHILDREN'
Enniskillen Cricket Club also expressed their condolences last night, remembering the children as "absolutely lovely natured".
In an emotional statement they wrote: "Tonight we as a club are extremely saddened by the tragic events that occurred in Maguiresbridge today.
"What makes this all the more difficult to process is that Kenny had the pleasure of coaching both children in his Kwik Cricket Program for several years during the time they spent playing cricket in School.
"Both of them turned out to be talented young cricketers and two absolutely lovely natured children.
"We would like to pass on our most sincere and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of those impacted by today's events.
"In what is a hard time for our small community, we would ask everyone to pull together and support each other through these difficult times."
POLICE PROBE
Speaking yesterday Mr McGowan said: "It just happened prior to police attending, so, as you can appreciate, it's a very harrowing scene for all involved.
"So, not only police officers, but colleagues in the ambulance service, and family members. Without going into detail, it's a very harrowing scene for anybody to attend."
No arrests have been made following the tragedy but cops confirmed they are "working at pace to determine the circumstances".
Mr McGowan said yesterday: "There is limited domestic history involving the people concerned and that is certainly one line of inquiry that the detectives will take forward.
"This is a quiet rural location and I'm aware that this tragic event will have sent shockwaves of sadness throughout the community."
Superintendent McGowan continued: "Please be assured that you will see a continued police presence in the area, as we continue to carry out our enquiries.
'Our enquiries are at an early stage, and I would appeal for patience as we work to understand the events that have taken place. We will continue to bring updates as our investigation continues.
'In the meantime, I would ask anyone with information, CCTV footage or dashcam footage to contact us on 101, quoting reference 276 of 23/07/25.'
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