Caitlin-Rose McMullan, 11, has died following a collision outside Castledawson yesterday afternoon, Wednesday, March 5.
Caitlin-Rose was struck by a car after exiting a school bus on the Hillhead Road shortly after 4 pm on Wednesday, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed on Thursday.
PSNI Inspector Adair appealed for anyone with footage of the incident not to share it on social media, but instead forward it to police online through the Major Incident Public Portal.
A report can also be submitted online using the non-emergency reporting form.
Anyone with any information, dash-cam footage, or images taken at the scene can also call 101, quoting reference number 1038 05/03/25.
"This footage will be of great assistance to officers investigating the collision," Inspector Adair said.
“The Hillhead Road in Castledawson has reopened following this serious collision and our investigation continues," Adair added.
St. Pius X College in Magherafelt, Co Derry, where Caitlin-Rose was a student, expressed their "profound sadness" to have been informed of the loss of one of their pupils.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with Caitlin-Rose's mother and father, her brother, Shea, who is also a pupil at St. Pius X College, and the wider family circle during this incredibly difficult time," the school said in a statement on Thursday.
"Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling. Her Form Teachers described her as ‘a joy to teach due to her kind and fun-loving nature'. She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike.
"Over the course of Year 8, Caitlin-Rose earned numerous accolades for excellent effort and outstanding classwork, approaching every assignment with interest and enthusiasm.
"Caitlin Rose's friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services.
"We acknowledge, and are very grateful for, the support both staff and students have received from the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team at this very challenging time.
"May Caitlin-Rose's gentle soul rest in Heavenly Peace. St Pius X, Pray for her."
— StPiusXMagherafeltPrincipal (@PrincipalPiusX) March 6, 2025
A spokesperson for the Education Authority (EA) said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by the death of a pupil following a road traffic incident which occurred on the Hillhead Road, outside Castledawson yesterday afternoon (Wednesday 5 March).
“Our sincere condolences are with the family, friends, fellow pupils and staff at the school, and all those affected by this tragic incident.
“The EA’s Critical Incident Response Team are supporting the school during this difficult time and will provide emotional support to both students and staff.
“We would kindly ask that the family, school and wider community are afforded the time and space to grieve this unimaginable loss.
“A PSNI investigation into the serious collision is ongoing."
Northern Ireland's Minister for Education Paul Givan said on Thursday that he was "deeply shocked and saddened" to hear of the schoolgirl's death.
"As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news," Givan said.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident.
"I have spoken to the Principal at St Pius X College and assured him of my support.
"The Education Authority’s Critical Incident Team is in contact with the school and will provide support to the pupils and staff.
“A PSNI investigation into the incident is ongoing."
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