Tributes to ‘perfect daughter’

Ammie Rea was killed when the car she was a passenger in left the Ballymena Road at around 9.15am.

It’s thought the 20-year-old, from Grange Valley, and her boyfriend, Colin Balmer, were travelling to Asda in Ballyclare where they both worked when the crash occurred. No other vehicles were involved.

Colin, 22, from Ballymena was taken to hospital where his injuries are said to be very serious but “not life threatening.”

Ammie has been described as a popular and well-liked young woman. Her uncle, Irwin Rea, described her as “a gem.”

“She was a perfect daughter, loved by so many of her friends and missed so tragically now,” he said. “She was an absolute dear.”

Mr Rea said that Ammie’s passing had left a “void” for her close-knit relatives.

He continued: “Ammie and her father, Howard, were very close. I have never seen a father and a daughter bond like it - Howard absolutely doted on her.”

Mr Rea, a pastor at the Metropolitan Tabernacle in Belfast, added: “Ammie was bubbly and a typical young girl who loved life, loved her friends and going out and about.

“It’s just so sudden how it all ended. You just can’t comprehend it or believe that it has happened.”

Kathryn Bell, Principal at Ballyclare Secondary School, where Ammie was a former pupil, said the tragic death was felt by all.

She said: “Ammie was a truly lovely pupil who contributed so much to the life of the school. She was always a hard worker giving her best in all subjects, even those she found difficult.

“Ammie’s bright and warm personality was evident in all that she did and it was no surprise when after finishing her A Levels she wanted to work with children and was following a course with the plan to be a classroom assistant, this was the natural career path for a girl who had the ability to get on with children of all ages.

“It has been a pleasure for staff to watch this bright, young girl blossom into the lovely young lady she became and we remain immensely proud of all she achieved.”

Mrs Bell added: “Her tragic death has been felt by all in the school as everyone knew Ammie because of her personality, hard work and dedication. It is testament to her that she only missed one day from school in her final year such was her level of commitment to her studies.

“She was a popular girl with teachers and peers alike, a school prefect, pupil mentor and a member of our student forum.

“As a school we extend our heartfelt sympathies to her mother, father, brothers and wider family circle.”

Gillian Cuddy, Store Manager at Asda where Ammie worked, said news of her death had been met with shock and sadness.

She added: “Ammie was a much loved and respected member of our team and she will be greatly missed. Our sympathies are with the Rea family and our thoughts go to our other colleague involved in this accident at this difficult time.”

Ammie is survived by her parents, Howard and Tracey, and brothers, Matthew and Harry.

Her funeral service was held yesterday (Wednesday) in the Whitewell Metropolitan Tabernacle followed by interment in Ballyclare Cemetery.