Family mourns ‘little angel’ Bethany

Bethany Cousins died after a body-boarding accident at Portballintrae beach on Sunday. Her funeral is taking place at Shankill Parish Church in Lurgan on Wednesday afternoon.

Yesterday, the Mayor of Craigavon, Carla Lockhart, said her visit to the Cousins family on Monday night had been “heartbreaking”. She added: “It is such a tragic loss. Bethany’s death has sent shockwaves right across Northern Ireland. It was such a fun day out.”

Cllr Lockhart added: “On behalf of Craigavon Borough Council I offer my condolences to the Cousins family and their wider family circle. I know the Cousins family personally and at a time like this there are no words which readily come to mind to comfort the family other than to say that our thoughts and prayers are with them.

“Bethany was described to me by the family as their little angel. What a tragedy for the family and wider community to have lost little Bethany Cousins at such a tender age. I will be praying for Alastair and Ruth, Bethany’s mum and dad, her two brothers and her wider family circle that the Lord will comfort them in the days, weeks and years that lie ahead.”

Rev Geoff Wilson, the rector of Shankill Parish Lurgan, who will be conducting the funeral service today, said: “The community has been rallying round the family and we are all working hard to support them at this very difficult time.”