‘Vivacious spirit': School pays tribute to pupil (13) who died in accident at Irish race track
McEgan College, Macroom, posted a photograph and tributes to Lauren (13) on social media as it extended its sympathies to her family.
The teenager suffered fatal injuries in an accident at a track in west Cork.
A motor racing event was being staged at Enniskeane by the Cork Autograss Racing Club. Lauren was one of the participants in the event, which was at the preliminary heat stage.
Gardaí began a forensic investigation at the scene of the incident this morning.
McEgan College posted a statement online, which said: 'Friends, it is quiet in McEgan College today. The devastating news reached us yesterday afternoon that following a tragic accident, first-year student Lauren O'Brien had passed away.
'Lauren was a beautiful girl, inside and out, bubbly, fun loving, kind, caring, a loveable rogue.
'Lauren's vivacious spirit and the ever-present twinkle in her eye will be fondly remembered forever by all at McEgan College.
'She will be missed dearly by her classmates, friends and teachers and our entire school community.'
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The school extended deepest sympathies to her family, including parents Therese and Timmy, and Lauren's brother and sister.
The school is open this afternoon to offer support to pupils, and experts from the National Educational Psychological Service will be on hand.
Sinn Féin senator Nicole Ryan also posted a tribute, saying that 'Lauren's passion for motorsport and her bright spirit will never be forgotten'.
The accident occurred at around 3.30pm on Sunday. Emergency services were at the scene within minutes and attempts were made to stabilise the teenager's condition.
However, she had suffered multiple injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Friends and family of the teenager were at the scene and were comforted by race officials and emergency services.
Watch: Riot police deal with disorder following Irish Cup final
Lauren was an avid motorsports enthusiast, a talented student and had a wide circle of friends.
'Lauren was a remarkable young girl and everyone is devastated for the family. The entire community is numb with shock,' one local resident said.
Gardaí are investigating the circumstances of the fatal incident, but it is being described as a tragic accident. They are liaising with the Cork Coroner's Office and the State Pathologist's Office.
The Road Race Alliance of Ireland (RRAI) posted a tribute online, describing Lauren as a 'young girl with a brave heart and a passion for racing'.
It said that although the RRAI represents two- and three-wheeled motorsport, 'we are all part of one wider motorsport family – and today, we grieve together.
'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 the sport.'
A spokesperson for Kart Paddock, who covers Tullyallen Kart Club and Motorsport Ireland karting events, wrote on social media: 'Out of respect to the young girl who died in a motorsport event in Cork today, there won't be any winning posts.
'Thoughts and condolences are with the family, friends, teams and everyone in the Autograss Racing Club paddock.'
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses and asked for anyone with dash cam footage who attended the event to make it available.
'Gardaí and emergency services attended the scene of the incident involving a vehicle at a sporting event,' a statement read.
'A female teenager (13) who was driving the vehicle was pronounced deceased at the scene.
'Her body has been removed to Cork University Hospital and a post-mortem will take place in due course.
'The scene is being preserved for technical examination.
'Gardaí are appealing for witnesses to this incident to come forward.
'Anyone with information is asked to contact Bandon garda station on (023) 8852200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.'
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