Cookstown crash victims named

The mangled wreckage at the scene of the fatal accident on the Old Coagh Road, Cookstown. Photo - Pacemaker

The fatal incident happened overnight on the Old Coagh Road in Cookstown.

They have been named locally as Grant Archer, 23 from Newmills and Robert Wilkinson, 28 from Cookstown.

At around 4am police received a report that a vehicle had crashed into a garden.

The men who died were the car’s only occupants.

Police have appealed for witnessed to come forward.

The Old Coagh Road was closed to traffic in the wake of the crash but later reopened.

Assembly Member for the area Patsy McGlone said the two victims were in their 20s.

“I was shocked and deeply saddened to learn of the crash on the Old Coagh Road in the early hours of this morning,” said the SDLP Mid Ulster representative.

“The loss of any life in these circumstances is a tragedy but the fact that these two men were so young will only deepen the hurt the community is feeling.

“I want to extend my deepest condolences to the families of the two men whose lives have now been turned upside down as they begin grieving for their loved ones. This will be a very difficult time and they’ll need all the support they can get from neighbours and friends.”

DUP MLA Ian McCrea said: “I want to assure the families of both young men that they are in my thoughts and prayers as well as those from within their local communities.

“It is important that anyone with any information on how this accident happened should contact the Police as soon as possible.”

Sandra Overend the UUP MLA for Mid Ulster said: ““The news of such a fatal accident is heartbreaking, especially on this Mothering Sunday, a time when mums and sons usually celebrate together. I am sure this is difficult news to bear but I know the good people of Mid-Ulster will help the families through this difficult time.”