The family of six-year-old Kourtney McCormick have expressed their gratitude to a woman who helped rush her to hospital after she was struck by a van, describing her as their 'special angel'. The incident occurred in the Springfarm Heights area of Newry on Sunday, June 21. Kourtney was taken to Daisy Hill Hospital and later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, but tragically died from her injuries.
Family's Heartfelt Thanks
In a statement shared by Paul McEvoy Funeral Directors, the family said: 'We, as a family of our little Kourtney McCormick, wish to express our deepest gratitude. We are deeply touched by the outpour of support and love we received following the passing of our sweet little girl, Kourtney.' They added: 'We would like to thank the lady who arrived at the scene and helped us take our little girl straight to Daisy Hill A&E Department. You are our special angel; we are internally grateful to you.'
Medical Staff Praised
The family also thanked the medical teams at both hospitals. 'We are profoundly grateful to all of the doctors and medical staff in Daisy Hill Hospital who fought so hard to keep our Kourtney alive, and also for the beautiful guard of honour they gave Kourtney in the room as she was being taken out to be rushed to the Royal Victoria Hospital,' they said. They also extended gratitude to the surgeons and ICU staff at the Royal Victoria Hospital, noting: 'We will be forever grateful that yous gave us the chance to hold our baby and say goodbye to her in our arms.'
Community Support
The family acknowledged the support from the PSNI officers and a priest who assisted at both hospitals. They also thanked Kourtney's primary school, St. Patrick's the Meadow, the local community, and businesses that provided food at her wake. 'To our beautiful neighbours, family, and friends, and all the local businesses who supplied food at Kourtney's wake, we never could have got through that first week without you,' they said.
Ongoing Tributes
A 40-year-old woman arrested in connection with the incident has been released on bail pending further police enquiries. A Months Mind Mass for Kourtney will take place on Saturday, July 18 at 7.30pm at St. Brigid's Chapel, Newry. The family concluded: 'As it is impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as a token of our sincere appreciation.'
