Wicklow crash victim Molly Dempsey (15) is third sibling in family to die in recent years

Molly Dempsey (15) passed away following the accident shortly before 5am in Slaney Park, Baltinglass on May 5.

Molly’s death is the latest tragedy to hit the Dempsey family. Her older brother Roy died in September 2007 when he was just 13 years of age and tragedy struck again in 2016 when another sibling, Killian, died suddenly, aged just 16.

Molly was pronounced dead at the scene on Sunday, while the driver of the car, a male also in his teens, was arrested on suspicion of offences under the Road Traffic Act.

He was detained at a garda station in Wicklow but has since been released.

“Investigations are ongoing and a file will be prepared for the DPP,” a garda spokesperson said.

There were no other serious injuries.

Molly’s funeral details have been announced on rip.ie with a notice stating: “Molly Dempsey, 5 Whitehall Park, Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow – 5th May 2024 (suddenly, following an accident);

“Beloved sister of the late Roy and Killian. Sadly missed by her broken-hearted parents Nigel and Mary, brothers Joe, Charlie and Jake, sisters Laura, Yvonne and Ella, grandmothers May (Fox) and Dolly (Dempsey) uncles, aunts, cousins, extended family and many friends.

“May Moll Rest In Peace.

“Reposing at her residence on Thursday from 12 noon concluding at 8pm. House private thereafter, please.

“Funeral arriving to St. Joseph’s Church, Baltinglass, on Friday morning for 11am Requiem Mass after which she will be laid to rest in Baltinglass Cemetery.”

Friends have described Molly as a “beautiful angel”.

Molly is the 70th person to lose their life on Irish roads this year – 17 more than at this point last year.

She is the third person to have been killed in a road accident in Wicklow so far in 2024.

Heartfelt tributes to the teenager have been flooding in online.

“To Mary and Nigel and your entire family, we send you our sincerest sympathy on the death of your beautiful daughter Molly.

“There are no words that can take away your pain but know that everyone is sending you love and keeping you in prayer. God bless you all in the days ahead,” wrote one.

“My deepest sympathies Jake, and to your mam dad and siblings and family on the passing of your beautiful Molly. May all your precious memories give your family the strength to get through this sad time,” wrote another.

“Rest in peace now Moll, to all the Dempsey/Fox family. Mary, Nigel, no words will take away the heartbreak you are feeling, but know everyone around you will be your crutch right now and are here to support you.

“If there’s anything you need, don’t hesitate to ask,” said another.

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“Please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your beautiful girl. Molly’s life was taken way too soon, life was only just beginning. May you all unite and help each other through your immense loss.

“The love and memories of Molly will forever live on in your hearts, she will always be with you by your side guiding you all through life. Rest in the arms of the angels baby girl, you’re at peace. Sending so much love to you all. You will be in my thoughts. Rest in peace sweet girl.”

Gardaí continue to appeal for any witnesses to the collision to come forward.

A garda spokesperson added: “Any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam footage) and were travelling in the Slaney Park area between 4.30am and 5am are asked to make this footage available to gardaí.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact Baltinglass Garda Station on 059 6482610, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station.