Latest news with #RoyalVictoriaHospital
Belfast Telegraph
20 hours ago
- Belfast Telegraph
‘Broken hearts and many tears': Poignant service for mum and children killed in Fermanagh shooting
Vanessa Whyte (45), her son James Rutledge (14) and daughter Sara Rutledge (13) were shot in their home on Drummeer Road, Maguiresbridge, last Wednesday. The man suspected of killing them before turning the gun on himself, 43-year-old Ian Rutledge, died in hospital on Monday. Prayers will be said at St Mary's Church this morning before the remains of the mum and her teenage children are taken to Co Clare where a funeral Mass will be held on Saturday. First Minister Michelle O'Neill is among those attending the service for removal which began at 11am with the singing of hymns including Abide With Me and a reading from the Old Testament book of Lamentations. The homily will be delivered by Father Kevin Donnelly who acknowledged the church is 'filled with grief'. A death notice stated 'it is with broken hearts and many tears' that the family announce the tragic passing 'of our beloved Vanessa and her adored children'. 'Cherished and much-loved Vanessa, James and Sara will forever be in the hearts of their heartbroken family, remembered fondly by a devoted mother and loving grandmother Mary Whyte, sisters and brothers (aunts & uncles) Geraldine, Anita, Steve, Regina & Ivor and by their respective partners Michael, Bernie, Ciara and Anita's husband James," it adds. 'Sadly missed by all their heartbroken cousins Deirbhíle, Erin, James, Danielle, Aishling, Jack and Harry Joe. "They will be greatly missed by the extended Whyte family, friends, work colleagues and the wider GAA communities in both Fermanagh and Clare.' Vanessa is pre-deceased by her father and the children's grandfather Joe Whyte and her infant sister. Following the shootings, police said a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide was one line of inquiry detectives were pursuing. The Belfast Telegraph understands a legally held weapon was used in the shooting. The police investigation is ongoing, despite the death of the only suspect. Ms Whyte (45) and her daughter Sara Rutledge (13) died from gunshot wounds at their home on Drummeer Road, Maguiresbridge, last Wednesday, while 14-year-old James died from his injuries in hospital the following day. The only suspect in the case, Ian Rutledge, died from his injuries in hospital on Monday. This newspaper also understands the 999 emergency call was made from the home on July 23 at around 8am from Sara's phone before first responders arrived at the scene which police described as 'harrowing'. Rutledge was airlifted to the Royal Victoria Hospital and was kept on life support until Monday. It's understood that one line of inquiry is that Rutledge left the home in Fermanagh he shared with Ms Whyte and their children the night before the shootings to retrieve a legally held weapon from a different location, with police keen to trace the movements of his silver Mercedes saloon car. Maguiresbridge vigil takes place as book of condolence opens at young shooting victims' former school PSNI Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness has asked anyone who saw the vehicle being driven in the Clones Road area of Newtownbutler, or between Maguiresbridge and Newtownbutler, on the evening of Tuesday, July 22, to call detectives on 101. 'Anyone who was travelling in the area and who may have captured dash-cam footage which could assist, please get in touch,' he added. Vanessa, James and Sara will repose together in The Church of The Immaculate Conception in Barefield from 3pm to 7pm on Friday. Private removal will take place on Saturday morning with the funeral cortege arriving for Requiem Mass at 12pm before the family is laid to rest in Templemaley Cemetery. Mourners have been asked to wear bright and cheerful colours in celebration of their lives. In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donations to Women's Aid.
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Fermanagh shooting suspect (42) dies in hospital
Ian Rutledge (42) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as a result of gun wounds The only suspect in the murder investigation into the fatal shootings of a mother and her two children in Co Fermanagh has died. Ian Rutledge (42) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as a result of gun wounds. He was married to Vanessa Whyte (45) and was the father of her two children, James (14) and Sara (13). Vanessa and Sara were found dead in their Maguiresbridge home last Wednesday morning. James was taken to the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, but died from his injuries later that day. Ian Rutledge Mr Rutledge had been critical care since the shooting. A PSNI statement issued on Monday evening said: 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a fourth person has now died following a shooting incident in Maguiresbridge.' The statement added: 'Ian Rutledge was taken to hospital on Wednesday 23 July, where he remained in a serious condition. He passed away this evening, 28 July.' Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Sources had previously said Rutledge had been experiencing depression and that his vision was deteriorating due to an underlying illness. It is understood that Rutledge had returned to live at the family home in Maguiresbridge, having previously moved out following the end of a relationship several years earlier. It is understood the 999 emergency call from the Drummeer Road residence on Wednesday morning was made from the phone of 13-year-old Sara. Police have not yet confirmed who made the call, as the line remained silent during the emergency communication shortly before 8am. However, the call handler was able to hear activity in the background, prompting the alert. Attempts to return the call went unanswered. Emergency services arrived at the house shortly before 8.30am. Police described the scene inside the house as 'harrowing'. A vigil for Vanessa, Sara and James is taking place in Armagh at 6pm on Monday evening. On Friday, at Maguiresbridge Primary School, which James and Sara were both previous pupils of, a vigil was also held for the three deceased family members. A special prayer service also took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield, Co Clare – Ms Whyte's home village - on Sunday evening at 7pm. Books of condolences have been opened at both the church and at Maguiresbridge Primary School. Earlier on Sunday, a minute's silence was held for Vanessa, Sara and James, just moments before throw-in at the All Ireland senior football final between the Donegal and Kerry men's teams. Text on the screen at Croke Park read: 'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha' – which translates from Irish into English as: 'May their souls be seated on God's right hand.'
Irish Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Irish Daily Mirror
Fourth person dies following Fermanagh shooting as police issue fresh appeal
A fourth person has died following a shooting incident in Co Fermanagh in which a mother and her two children were killed. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has named the deceased as 43-year-old Ian Rutledge. Mr Rutledge was injured in a shooting incident at a house on the Drumeer Road area of Maguiresbridge last Wednesday morning, 23 July. He was rushed in a serious condition to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where he passed away on Monday evening, according to the PSNI. Vanessa Whyte, 45, her son James, 14, and daughter Sara, 13, died earlier following the same incident. Ms Whyte was originally from Barefield, a village near Ennis in Co Clare. It is understood that the funeral of Ms Whyte and her two children will take place in Barefield later this week. Candles surround a photograph of shooting victims Vanessa Whyte, 45 and her children, James, 14, and Sara, 13, during a vigil at Maguiresbridge Primary School, in Co Fermanagh, a school attended by James and Sara Whyte. Ms Whyte, who was originally from Co Clare, and her 14-year-old son and 13-year-old daughter died following a shooting on Wednesday in the Drummeer Road area of Maguiresbridge. Picture date: Friday July 25, 2025 Police have launched a murder investigation into Wednesday's fatal shooting and detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, "no matter how insignificant it may seem", to come forward. Anyone with information can contact police on 101, quoting reference number 276 of 23/07/25. A report can also be made using the online reporting form via Alternatively, information can be provided to Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at This latest appeal comes days after detectives from the major investigation team, who are carrying out the murder investigation, appealed for information involving the movements of a vehicle. Detective Chief Inspector Neil McGuinness said at the time: 'Our investigation is ongoing and we are working tirelessly to determine the exact circumstances of this tragedy. 'I would continue to appeal generally for anyone with information to come forward, and more specifically, I would ask anyone who saw a silver Mercedes saloon car being driven in the Clones Road area of Newtownbutler, or between Maguiresbridge and Newtownbutler, on the evening of Tuesday July 22 to call detectives on 101, quoting reference 276 23/07/25. Subscribe to our newsletter for the latest news from the Irish Mirror direct to your inbox: Sign up here. The Irish Mirror's Crime Writers Michael O'Toole and Paul Healy are writing a new weekly newsletter called Crime Ireland. Click here to sign up and get it delivered to your inbox every week
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Fermanagh shooting suspect (43) dies in hospital
Ian Rutledge (43) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as a result of gun wounds. He was married to Vanessa Whyte (45) and was the father of her two children, James (14) and Sara (13). Vanessa and Sara were found dead in their Maguiresbridge home last Wednesday morning. James was taken to the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, but died from his injuries later that day. A PSNI statement issued on Monday evening said: 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a fourth person has now died following a shooting incident in Maguiresbridge.' The statement added: 'Ian Rutledge was taken to hospital on Wednesday 23 July, where he remained in a serious condition. He passed away this evening, 28 July.' Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Sources had previously said Rutledge had been experiencing depression and that his vision was deteriorating due to an underlying illness. It is understood that Rutledge had returned to live at the family home in Maguiresbridge, having previously moved out following the end of a relationship several years earlier. It is understood the 999 emergency call from the Drummeer Road residence on Wednesday morning was made from the phone of 13-year-old Sara. Police have not yet confirmed who made the call, as the line remained silent during the emergency communication shortly before 8am. However, the call handler was able to hear activity in the background, prompting the alert. Attempts to return the call went unanswered. Emergency services arrived at the house shortly before 8.30am. Police described the scene inside the house as 'harrowing'. A vigil for Vanessa, Sara and James is taking place in Armagh at 6pm on Monday evening. On Friday, at Maguiresbridge Primary School, which James and Sara were both previous pupils of, a vigil was also held for the three deceased family members. A special prayer service also took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield, Co Clare – Ms Whyte's home village - on Sunday evening at 7pm. Books of condolences have been opened at both the church and at Maguiresbridge Primary School. Earlier on Sunday, a minute's silence was held for Vanessa, Sara and James, just moments before throw-in at the All Ireland senior football final between the Donegal and Kerry men's teams. Text on the screen at Croke Park read: 'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha' – which translates from Irish into English as: 'May their souls be seated on God's right hand.'
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Irish Independent
Fermanagh shooting suspect (42) dies in hospital
Ian Rutledge (42) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as a result of gun wounds. He was married to Vanessa Whyte (45) and was the father of her two children, James (14) and Sara (13). Vanessa and Sara were found dead in their Maguiresbridge home last Wednesday morning. James was taken to the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, but died from his injuries later that day. A PSNI statement issued on Monday evening said: 'The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a fourth person has now died following a shooting incident in Maguiresbridge.' The statement added: 'Ian Rutledge was taken to hospital on Wednesday 23 July, where he remained in a serious condition. He passed away this evening, 28 July.' Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Sources had previously said Rutledge had been experiencing depression and that his vision was deteriorating due to an underlying illness. It is understood that Rutledge had returned to live at the family home in Maguiresbridge, having previously moved out following the end of a relationship several years earlier. ADVERTISEMENT It is understood the 999 emergency call from the Drummeer Road residence on Wednesday morning was made from the phone of 13-year-old Sara. Police have not yet confirmed who made the call, as the line remained silent during the emergency communication shortly before 8am. However, the call handler was able to hear activity in the background, prompting the alert. Attempts to return the call went unanswered. Emergency services arrived at the house shortly before 8.30am. Police described the scene inside the house as 'harrowing'. A vigil for Vanessa, Sara and James is taking place in Armagh at 6pm on Monday evening. On Friday, at Maguiresbridge Primary School, which James and Sara were both previous pupils of, a vigil was also held for the three deceased family members. A special prayer service also took place at the Church of the Immaculate Conception in Barefield, Co Clare – Ms Whyte's home village - on Sunday evening at 7pm. Books of condolences have been opened at both the church and at Maguiresbridge Primary School. Earlier on Sunday, a minute's silence was held for Vanessa, Sara and James, just moments before throw-in at the All Ireland senior football final between the Donegal and Kerry men's teams. Text on the screen at Croke Park read: 'Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha' – which translates from Irish into English as: 'May their souls be seated on God's right hand.'
