Pedestrian killed in collision was "a well respected" member of village community

The victim has been named as Helen Watterson from Quarry Road.

DUP councillor Anne Forde said she has been friendly with Mrs Watterson for many years and she was personally shocked to learn of her death.

She said Mrs Watterson had been a part of village life for many years taking part in clean-ups and other events.

Councillor Forde said she understood the victim had been out walking her dog at the time.

"It's a terrible tragedy especially coming up to Christmas," she said. "I have known Helen a long time and I would like to sympathise with the family circle on their loss."

Mid Ulster DUP MLA Keith Buchanan expressed his sympathy to the family and friends of the victim.

“Any death on our roads is one too many. I want to express my sympathy to the family and friends of the lady who lost her life at this sad and difficult time. I would urge all road users to exercise caution on our rural roads especially with the winter weather approaching.”

Mrs Watterson was a member of Curves ladies gym in Magherafelt. In a Facebook post they said: "This evening Helen Watterson one of our members in Curves, tragically died in a road traffic accident near her home. Helen has been a faithful member of Curves Magherafelt for almost 2 years and will be greatly missed. Our thoughts & prayers are with her husband Trevor, daughter Lorraine, sons Keith & David, her sister Elizabeth, her son & daughters in laws, grandchildren and all the family circle."

The police are appealing for information about the collision, which they said happened at approximately 5.45pm, and involved a red Ford Transit van.

They said police and the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service responded but, sadly, the 64 year-old was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a death notice, Garvin's Funeral Service, stated Mrs Watterson was the dearly beloved wife of Trevor, loving and devoted mother of Lorraine, Keith and David, dear mother-in-law of Warren, Vicky and Nikki, also a much loved granny and a dearly loved sister of Elizabeth and her husband Richard. Funeral arrangements later.

Inspector Gavin Sterling is appealing for anyone who witnessed the collision, or who captured dash cam footage to contact police on 101, and quote reference number 1534 of 09/11/20.

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