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Ollie Simmons-Watt: Tributes pour in for five-year-old who died after van collided with his bike

'Ollie’s smile was infectious and he was full of character,' a spokesperson for his local community center said

LIMAVADY, LONDONDERRY: A little boy’s life was cut short on Thursday, September 29, in Northern Ireland during a bike ride. Ollie Simmons-Watt of Limavady, Londonderry was reportedly enjoying cycling on Irwin Avenue when a van struck him. As per reports, the tragedy happened at around 3.40 pm.

The five-year-old was transported to the hospital via air but could not be saved. Now, law enforcement officials have urged people who “witnessed the incident, or captured any dashcam or other footage’ to come forward.” The Irish News asked “witnesses or anyone with dash cam or other footage to get in touch via 101, and quote reference number 1235 of 29/09/22.”

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Speaking about the accident, PSNI Sergeant Amanda McIvor said, “It was reported shortly after 3.40 pm that a van had struck a child in the Irwin Avenue area. We believe at this time that Ollie was on his bike in the area at the time of the collision.”

“Officers attended alongside colleagues from the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and Air Ambulance NI, and the boy was taken to hospital for treatment, but unfortunately died from his injuries. The road, which was closed for a time following the collision, has since re-opened,” she added.

SDLP East Derry Assembly member Cara Hunter noted, “I can’t begin to imagine what his family are going through, but they have my deepest sympathies and I hope they will take some comfort from the outpouring of support at this awful time.”

Besides, a spokesperson for his local community center said, “Ollie’s smile was infectious and he was full of character. He kept everyone entertained at any activity he participated in, and he will be dearly missed by his friends, management, staff and volunteers at RVRA. We pass on our sympathies and condolences on to Ollie’s mammy and daddy; his brother and sister and the wider family circle at this very difficult time.”

Meanwhile, people on Twitter expressed their grief over the devastating news as a person tweeted, “This is so sad ! My heart goes out to his family ! 🥲 Rest in peace little angel ! Safe in the arms of Jesus 🙏.” Another person wrote, “So so to hear this very sad news, my thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.” Someone else said, “Heartbreaking. Condolences to the family, may he rest in peace.” “So heartbreaking.  That poor family. Fly high wee man!” another wrote.

A person shared, “Rest in peace Ollie God bless your family at this sad time. 🙏🙏” Another commented, “That poor wee fella and his family. Absolutely heartbreaking 😥.” “Awful. Sends a shiver down every parents spine,” a tribute read. A tweet noted, “God love him and his poor family. Rest in peace sweetheart 💔 x.” 

“Absolutely heartbreaking, thoughts with his family & loved ones. RIP 🙏 ❤,” a condolence message stated. Another wrote, “Tragic. Heartbreaking. God love his parents and family circle. RiP.”