'Unbearable grief' at road deaths

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A poignant message from Nathan Gault's mother

The families of two teenage classmates who died in a road accident in County Fermanagh said the grief they felt at their loss was "unbearable".

Debbie Whyte, 14, died in hospital on Friday.

She had been walking with Nathan Gault, 15, along the Croaghrim Road in Florencecourt at about 1830 GMT on Thursday when they were hit by a car.

Nathan died at the scene and Debbie, from McGrath's Wood, died later in hospital.

Debbie's 15-year-old cousin who was with them escaped unhurt.

The accident happened near the home of Nathan Gault's uncle, Gordon Cutler.

The accident occurred near the home of Nathan Gault's uncle, Gordon Cutler

"Nathan was a happy child. He was great to be with and he was like an adopted son. He was just a great lad," he said.

Nathan, who had been called by his family on his mobile telephone, told them he was walking down the road.

He had just started day release work with a local plumber.

Debbie's sister, Louise, described her as "the family's special wee angel".

Her uncle, Ronan McGurran said the family was devastated by Debbie's death.

"They're finding it unbearable. It's so hard to believe. She was a real bubbly blonde girl," he said.

The teenagers were pupils at Devenish College where a special assembly was held for them on Friday afternoon.

Principal of Devenish College Mervyn Walker said a pastoral team was working closely with the education board "to support the emotional wellbeing of the pupils".

"The entire, closely knit, school community share in the pain of losing two of its valued pupils and our thoughts and prayers are with both families at this very difficult time," said Mr Walker.

We have got to find ways of keeping people, and particularly our young people, safe on the roads Tommy Gallagher SDLP

Northern Ireland Education Minister Caitriona Ruane offered her condolences to the families of the two teenagers.

"I offer my deepest sympathies to the families of the teenage boy and girl whose lives were tragically cut short as a result of last night's road traffic accident," she said.

Fermanagh and South Tyrone DUP MLA Arlene Foster said: "This is a terrible tragedy and has left the whole community numb with shock.

"I extend my deepest sympathy to the families whose worlds have been shattered by this huge loss."

Fermanagh and South Tyrone Ulster Unionist MLA Tom Elliott said: "Words to describe this tragedy are almost impossible to find.

"Nothing can replace a young life like this and the heartbreak for the families must be unbearable."

SDLP Fermanagh South Tyrone MLA Tommy Gallagher said news of the tragedy had "devastated" the community.

"We have got to find ways of keeping people, and particularly our young people, safe on the roads," he said.