Village stunned by Townhill Road double tragedy

Ms Campbell died in a two-car crash on the Townhill Road which runs from Portglenone to Rasharkin,

It is believed that her manager, Mr.Conor McKeown, 46, who ran McKeown’s Fine Foods in Rasharkin, suffered a heart attack at the scene when he came upon the accident shortly after it happened. He was taken to hospital but died later.

A 21-year-old man was arrested in connection with the fatal crash but was later released.

Ms Campbell had been travelling to work at McKeown’s Fine Foods in Rasharkin when her car was in a collision around 6.30am on Friday.

Mr McKeown went to the scene of the accident which was close to his home.

It is understood that he was hurrying to get help when he took seriously ill.

Father John Murray, Parish Priest of St Mary’s Church in Rasharkin, said Mr McKeown’s funeral will be held on Monday.

He said the parish had been traumatised by the double tragedy.

Connor Duncan, who lives locally, knows the families affected.

He said that the loss of friends and neighbours has stunned the Rasharkin area.

Mr. Duncan, who is an SDLP representative for North Antrim added: “This is a particularly dangerous stretch of road and I will be speaking with Transport NI about this matter to try and prevent such tragic accidents.”

Sinn Fein MLA Daithi McKay added: “These road deaths are all the more tragic coming so close to Christmas.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the families of both of those who died at this very difficult and sad time.”