Touching tributes have been paid to a Derry teenager killed in a single car collision outside Park village on Thursday.
Noah Karran (18) died from injuries sustained in the crash on the Learmount Road.
He is the third young man from Derry to die on the roads in the last three weeks.
Cousins Kían Dawson-Kirk and Eoghán Dawson died at Quigley’s Point in Inishowen in August when the car in which they were travelling struck a wall.
Launching the Department for Infrastructure’s Road Safety Strategy in Derry on Thursday, minister John O’Dowd paid tribute to the NI Fire and Rescue Service personnel who had attended the scene of the collision in which Mr Karran died.
As the news of Mr Karran’s death spread many touching tributes were paid to him online.
A single bunch of red roses, in a poignant floral tribute, was also left at Noah’s mobile phone repair shop in Derry city centre.
His former school, St Patrick’s and St Brigid’s College in Claudy said the college community had been “devastated” to learn of his death.
“We will keep Noah’s family and friends in our thoughts and prayers,” it said.
The school described Mr Karran as “humorous, generous and very well-liked by all”.
It added: “Noah was kind and had a great interest in Business and IT. He will be sorely missed.”
His friend Kevin McDermott said: “Rest in peace Noah. You’ve been me best friend since 1st year; the many thousands of things u bought for me and did for me, the most kind hearted person I’ve ever known; all the deep conversations we had, never argued once between each other. My closest mate I’ve ever had you’ll never be forgotten – lad the kindest soul alive forever.”
Another friend, Ty Wong, spoke of his great loss.
“Noah Karran was a talented technician and a dear, kind friend. His loss is profound for both me and the industry. May he rest in peace.”
The Derry-based digital radio station, River Radio, said: “Noah was a young person full of talent with PCs and technology and someone we at River Radio have worked with over the years and it’s so sad to hear this news today. RIP Noah Karran.”
Foyle MLA, Mark H Durkan, said another life had been lost and another family had been devastated by a death on our roads.
Extending her condolences to Mr Karran’s family, Foyle MLA Ciara Ferguson said his death had left the community “in shock”.
“My immediate thoughts are with Noah’s family and friends as they come to terms with this tremendous loss,” added Ms Ferguson.
“It is absolutely devastating that another young person from our city has died on our roads.”
Motorcyclist, Kev Breslin, said he had been contacted by Mr Karran’s family to organise members of the motorcycling fraternity for his funeral cortège.
PSNI Inspector Cherith Adair said Mr Karran had been driving a silver Saab.
“We are investigating the circumstances of the crash and would like to hear from witnesses or anyone who may have captured dash-cam or other footage that could assist with our enquiries.
“Please call on 101, quoting reference 275 12/09/24, or submit information online at: http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.”
Requiem mass for Mr Karran will take place at Our Lady of Lourdes Church, Steelstown on Monday at noon followed by interment in the City Cemetery.
