Claudia Jaczyk: Tributes to 'wonderful, kind and warm-hearted' young woman who died in collision involving Airport Express bus near Templepatrick
A young woman who died following a road traffic collision at the weekend has been described as a “wonderful, kind and warm-hearted person”.
Claudia Jaczyk died after a collision between her Citroen C1 car and a double-decker Airport Express bus on the Ballyrobin Road near Templepatrick on Saturday morning.
The 23-year-old, who lived in Newtownabbey, had just started studies to become a nurse.
An online fundraiser set up to support her family raised more than £12,500 within the first day.
In the GoFundMe appeal, family member Aneta Biernat said: “This fundraiser has been organized to support the family and help cover the costs related to the tragic car accident of their daughter.
"She was only 23 years old and had her whole life ahead of her – full of plans, dreams, and hopes for the future.
"She had recently started nursing studies, as it was her dream to help others. She was a wonderful, kind, and warm-hearted person who always thought of others.
"Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time. We kindly ask for privacy and respect.
"The funds raised will help the family cover expenses and other unforeseen costs during this extremely challenging and heartbreaking period.”
Claudia was a former pupil of Glengormley Integrated Primary School.
Staff and the Board of Governors spoke of their “deep sadness” on hearing of the tragedy.
"We remember her as a kind, thoughtful and hard-working pupil. Our thoughts and prayers are extended to our former staff member Marzena and also Damien and Kuba,” the school said.
South Antrim SDLP Councillor Roisin Lynch described Claudia’s death as “a heartbreaking tragedy”.
"My thoughts are with the family and friends of this young woman. Losing a loved one is never easy, but the loss of another young life on the North’s roads is devastating.
"My thoughts are also with the driver of the bus involved in the accident and I hope he makes a full recovery,” said Cllr Lynch.
"I know that the local community in the Newtownabbey area will be shocked and saddened by this news and will do what they can to support the young woman’s family.
"The police have appealed to anyone who witnesses the collision to contact them, and I would ask people to help in any way they can.”
Police said their enquiries into the fatal collision are continuing.
They received a report of the crash at approximately 8am on Saturday, February 14.
Detective Inspector Stewart from the PSNI Collision Investigation Unit said: “Officers attended alongside emergency services partners, however the driver of the Citroen was tragically pronounced deceased at the scene.
"The driver of the bus, a man in his 60s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are not believed to be life threatening.
"Our enquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 341 14/02/26.”