Young NI road tragedy victim ‘enriched the lives of everyone’

A young physio from Northern Ireland killed in a New Zealand road tragedy has been described as a “girl of strong Christian faith” who enriched the lives of those around her.
Kirsty MoffettKirsty Moffett
Kirsty Moffett

Kirsty Moffett, 28, was orignally from Waringstown in Co Armagh but had been working in Dunedin Hospital on New Zealand’s South Island for the last two years.

The former Banbridge High School and Banbridge Academy pupil was well-known as a former physio for Dromore Rugby Club, and through connections with both the Lisburn and Banbridge athletic clubs.

Kirsty’s uncle, Rev Adrian Moffett, described his niece as “someone who had a heart for others and time for everyone”.

Rev Moffett said: “She would try to help every person she could. She was very much involved in her home church, Waringstown Presbyterian, and then with the Grace Church in Dunedin.

“She was a youth leader there since she went out just under two years ago. She just enriched the lives of everyone she came into contact with.”

A tribute posted on social media by Dromore Rugby Club said: “All at Dromore Rugby Club would like to extend their heartfelt sympathies towards the Moffett family after the tragic death of Kirsty who sadly passed away in New Zealand over the weekend.

“After graduating from University, Kirsty previously worked as physio for Dromore rugby club before heading to Lincoln and then onto New Zealand to work in Dunedin hospital. Kirsty was held in high regard by all at the club and again our condolences go to the Moffett family at this tragic time. RIP.”

In another social media message, a spokesperson for the Orangefield Flute Band said: “The officers and members of Orangefield Flute Band are saddened to learn of the passing of Kirsty Moffett.

“Kirsty was the daughter of our member Sam and his wife, Hazel and sister to Lauren, Natasha and Nathan. We wish to pass on our sincere condolences to the entire Moffett family and assure them of our thoughts and prayers at this sad time.”

According to a report on the Otago Daily Times website, a 49-year-old Otago woman has appeared in court charged with aggravated careless driving causing death, and is due back in court on February 17, 2021.

The report said that two other casualties were airlifted to Dunedin Hospital with one in a serious condition.

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