I couldn’t believe that I was getting that phone call, it was like a movie
Families in shock as tributes paid to crash victims
THE brother of one of three young people killed in a horrific car crash this week has described the heartbreaking moment he received the phone call informing him that his sibling was dead.
Daryl Culbert, 21, from Kiltegan, Co. Wicklow, died alongside two of his friends when, after heavy rain, their car skidded in the townland of Leagh, between Graiguenaspiddoge and Kelllistown in Co. Carlow, at around 11.30pm on Wednesday night.
Michael Kelly, 25, from Nurney, Co. Carlow, and Katie Graham, 19, from Arles on the Carlow/Laois border, also lost their lives.
All three had become friends through their shared love of cars.
Michael Kelly’s brother, Jordan, described the moment he got the terrible call, explaining, ‘I think we’re all just devastated.
‘It’s kind of hard to believe, to be honest. Everyone that met Mike just loved him so much.
‘He was a role model, he didn’t drink, all he cared about was his family and he loved his cars.
‘From a very young age we could see that cars were his calling. He was a very quiet person, he didn’t
‘Everyone who met him loved him’
want to be the loudest person in the room, he was quite happy to blend into the background.
‘When he was with his friends and with his family, he just seemed to have a glow about him. You’d be nearly lifted off the ground, he’d have a smile from ear to ear.’
When Jordan got the call about the tragic news, he said he felt like it was not real and that it was as if he was in a film.
He told RTÉ: ‘I got the phone call the other morning and felt like I was in a movie. I didn’t believe that was the phone call I was getting. Unfortunately, they are the circumstances and I want to wish the other families the best because I’ve met them too. It’s hard to put it into words. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to forget him.’
Ms Graham’s funeral details have since been announced, with her death notice saying that she is predeceased by her brother Noel Jr, and her grandparents Noel and Síle. Tributes have poured in for Ms Graham following her tragic death, with one person writing: ‘Rest in peace Katie, I will never forget all the great memories we created. Condolences to all the Graham and Hosey family.’
‘Such a beautiful young girl, so heartbreaking,’ another wrote.
‘Heartfelt condolences to all the family at this heartbreaking time, rest in peace Katie,’ said one more, while another added: ‘Words are poor comfort with such a loss but know you are in my thoughts and prayers, may wings of love embrace Katie and arms of comfort surround you and all who mourn her passing.’
Ms Graham will be reposing at her residence tomorrow from 3pm until 8pm. A Rosary will be said at 7pm. The removal will take place on Monday morning to arrive at the Church of the Sacred Heart in Arles, Co. Laois, for a Requiem Mass at 11am.
The burial will be held afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
Mr Culbert, who was well-known in car enthusiast circles, was described overnight on social media by a close friend as ‘an absolute gent gone far too soon’, while another added: ‘Those who knew him know how sound he really was.’
The Rallysport Association remembered Daryl, who it said was a young crosskart talent.
A statement read: ‘Daryl’s ability was clear for all to see with a number of victories and podium finishes always accompanied with a smile celebrated alongside his father Trevor.
‘A true gentleman who will be sorely missed by all at the RSA.
‘We would like to extend our sincere condolences to Trevor, Heather, his sisters, the wider Culbert family, all of Daryl’s friends and fellow competitors, as well as the family and friends of the other young people involved in the accident. Rest in peace Daryl.’
The accident follows several fatal accidents along the same stretch of road last year.
Numerous representations have been made to Carlow County Council about the road by local politicians for improvements to be carried out. Superintendent Andy Farrell, from Carlow Garda Station, described the accident scene as one of the ‘most severe I’ve attended’ in his 25 years of service – adding that ‘it was really, really traumatic’.
He said: ‘They were driving a red Lexus vehicle. We don’t know the make of it at this time as the damage was so severe.
‘It appears that they were at the Circle K just by Junction 5 there and were headed towards Ballon when the crash happened.’
Gardaí are continuing to investigate the crash.
‘An absolute gent gone far too soon’