Driver in family’s prayers
THE SOLE surviving member of the Alexander family, four of whom were killed in the car accident outside New Ross in 2017, said the truck driver on the day is in her family’s daily prayers.
Debbie Alexander Cegerlak and extended members of the Alexander family urged drivers to exercise extra vigilance and caution on our roads having lost four family members in the tragedy.
In a statement read out at County Wexford Coroner’s Court by solicitor Caroline McLaughlin acting on their behalf, the family said: ‘ The events of December 4, 2017, have resulted in a devastating loss for the family. On that date our client Debbie Cegerlak, daughter of Douglas and Lily Alexander and sister of Douglas Junior and Stephen Alexander, lost all of her immediate family members as a result of this tragic accident.’
Debbie Cegerlak and Lynn Alexander, wife of Stephen, expressed their gratitude to everyone who came to the assistance of their family following the accident on Begerin Hill three weeks before Christmas 2017. They thanked members of An Garda Siochana especially for the professionalism and dignity afforded to the family and Grace O’Sullivan, the nurse who came upon the scene.
‘It is a source of great comfort to the family to know the care afforded by you and the bravery you showed under such difficult circumstances and they are eter- nally grateful to you for that.’
They thanked New Ross Parish curate Fr Roger O’Neill, who blessed the four family members at the scene. The family said there is not a day that goes by when they don’t think of the driver, Paul Caulfield, and his passenger Kevin Collins.
‘We think of you and how difficult this incident must have been for you to encounter. We wish you health and happiness and pray that this accident will not cause you any difficulties into the future.’
The family also thanked their extended family in Ireland and America for all of their support in the aftermath of the accident, adding that Douglas Senior and Lily were proud parents and grandparents to six children.
‘No family should ever have to experience such devastating loss and the family hope that the deaths of four members will not be in vain and that road users will exercise extra vigilance at all times on the road.’