Minister speaks of ‘darkest of hours’ at funeral of Magherafelt crash victim Christopher Hawe

Christopher, who was in his 20s and worked at a local engineering firm, died after his car struck a tree on the Tobermore Road on the outskirts of Magherafelt last Thursday evening.

No other vehicles were involved in the accident which happened shortly before 6.45pm.

The Tobermore Road has claimed at least five lives in crashes in recent years.

Several hundred mourners attended Christopher’s funeral in Castledawson on Sunday afternoon.

Presbyterian Minister Rev John Mullan, who conducted the service, told the Mail that Christopher came from a respected family in the village and many young people were amongst the congregation.

He said he was a former Sunday School member and member of the Boys’ Brigade.

“In the deepest tragedy I tried to convey the hope of the Gospel to both family and friends in this, the darkest of hours,” he said.

Christopher, from Davison Villas, was a son of Ivor and Arlene Hawe. He was twin brother of Andrew and brother of Jonathan.

Following the service, he was laid to rest in the adjourning graveyard.

Local politicians have expressed their sympathy to the family.

Ulster Unionist MLA Sandra Overend said her thoughts and prayers went out to the family at this sad time.

Extending his sympathy, DUP Mid Ulster Councillor Paul McLean described the tragedy as a parent’s worst nightmare.