Richhill accident victim named locally and was from Tandragee

She was Shannon Weir from Tandragee, a 20-year-old equestrian enthusiast.

Shannon was a passenger in a car involved in the collision with a cement lorry on the Legacorry Road around 3.35pm.

Another female who was driving the car was seriously injured and is being is being treated in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital.

Shannon’s friends have been expressing their grief at the loss of the “horse-mad, fun loving” girl.

Reacting to the tragic news, one posted on Facebook: “I am writing this with the heaviest heart! I’m in complete shock after finding out the most horrible news that I have lost one of my best friends! Thank you for all the good times girl, I have some amazing memories that I will cherish forever!”

Her friend added: “You were one of a kind... a crazy, random, horse mad, fun loving girl and you were always there for me no matter what!”

Another friend wrote: “Yet again another life taken way to soon!! Honestly don’t know wat this world is coming to!! Rip Shannon Weir my thoughts and prayers are with ur family and friends. It was a pleasure knowing u rest easy wee pet xxxxx”.

Tandragee councillor Paul Berry called with Shannon’s family on Friday afternoon.

He said there is “great shock and deep sadness” at the tragic loss.

“Our thoughts are also with the young lady who is seriously ill in the Royal Victoria Hospital at this time and trust that her health improves and she makes a recovery.

“Just last week a few miles away two young lads lost their lives as a result of a car accident and there are many heavy hearts in the general area at this time,” Cllr Berry added.

Newry & Armagh DUP MLA William Irwin lives in the area where the collision occurred and said there have been accidents on the same stretch of road in the past.

He urged all road users to exercise great caution, and added: “I want to pass on my deepest sympathy to the Weir family on the tragic loss of Shannon close to Richhill village.”

Richhill UUP councillor Jim Speers said the families were facing an “unimaginable situation,” while is party colleague Danny Kennedy MLA said: “It is hard to comprehend the loss which family members now feel. The local communities will rally round and offer what support they can.”

Cusher DUP councillor Gareth Wilson said it was a “tragic situation for the Weir family” and that no words can describe their grief.

“This year has started so miserably and tragically for many families in the Province due to road accidents, it really is so deeply concerning.”

Police are appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision to contact them on the non-emergency 101 number.