Tributes after sudden death of teenager

Tributes after sudden death of teenager

17 September 2020

THE “beloved horses” of Portaferry schoolgirl Ellie McDonnell will accompany her on her final journey when she is buried tomorrow. 

The 16 year-old died suddenly at her home last Saturday over a year after surviving a serious road crash.

After the funeral cortege leaves her family’s farm on Thursday, Ellie’s show jumping friends will form a guard of honour at local stables before a service at 12 noon in St Patrick’s Church, Portaferry.

Socially distanced mourners have also been asked to carry a red balloon to be released later as a final goodbye to the young girl selected to represent Northern Ireland last year in a UK competition.

Ellie was seriously injured in an accident near her home last June. When riding a quad bike around a blind corner, she collided with her mother’s four-wheel drive vehicle as she was returning to the family farm.

The teenager suffered major injuries but later recovered to return to horse riding earlier this year.

She and her parents credited her life being saved by the speedy response of the air ambulance which placed her in a medical coma before taking her to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.

Ellie repaid her thanks to the charity – which funds the air ambulance – by telling her rescue story to raise money, appearing in last week’s Recorder for the second time since her accident.

She confirmed last week that she had further surgery to undergo and added: “I don’t remember much about that day. All I know is that the air ambulance saved my life and without them I wouldn’t be sitting here today. I would just like to thank Air Ambulance NI for all that they have done for me.”

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to Ellie, who was described by the principal of Down High School, Mrs Maud Perry, as “truly inspirational”.

Mrs Perry said that Ellie was “a popular pupil, who was held in great affection by her many friends and by all of the teachers and support staff”.

“Ellie’s tenacity after her accident last year was truly inspirational and she showed a level of courage and positivity that was remarkable.

“Ellie was an exceptional student, conscientious, hardworking and highly intelligent. She was also one of the stars of the school’s equestrian team and competed regularly across the British Isles to very high acclaim. Ellie loved horses and her passion for the outdoors was obvious.”

She also praised Ellie’s dedication to helping others by her support for Air Ambulance NI.

“Ellie spoke passionately to large audiences of her peers and the wider community about the work of the Air 

Ambulance and those who heard her were struck by her maturity of outlook and truly indomitable spirit,” said Mrs Perry.

“It was an absolute privilege to have known Ellie. We will treasure the precious memories we have of her and will miss her terribly. Our thoughts and prayers are with Ellie’s parents, brother, the wider family circle and her friends at this devastating time.”

Many people have shared their sense of shock and grief at the loss of such a young and promising life.

A message on Abbots Cross Presbyterian Church Facebook page said: “Some sad news, Ellie McDonnell, the girl who recently had surgery to fit a titanium plate, has died suddenly.

“Please pray for God’s comfort for them as they come to terms with their loss. Apparently she had been in great form but her family found her dead in bed this morning.”

Ballygalget GAC also paid its respects on its Facebook page. “Ballygalget GAC Committee are saddened to hear of the untimely death of Ellie McDonnell, sister of our juvenile player Max.

“Our condolences are extended to Ellie’s family and friends at this very difficult time.”

Ellie is survived by her parents, Peter and Mary, brother Max and the family circle.