MUM & DAD PAY TRIBUTE TO TRAGIC DANIEL, 8, AFTER CAR ACCIDENT
Schoolboy killed on busy road
Glenshane Road in Co Derry on Thursday night THE parents of a young boy killed in a tragic road accident have said he will be “forever in our hearts”.
Daniel Bradley, eight, died after being struck by a car on the main Belfast to Derry road on Thursday evening.
The tight-knit rural community of Glen parish, outside Maghera, Co Derry, has been left reeling by the loss of the “lively, popular and full of fun boy” affectionately known as “Dan the Man”.
He was a pupil at Kilronan Special School, Magherafelt, which caters for children with learning difficulties.
His devastated parents James and Janice said they had learned much from their son.
In a joint statement they added: “Daniel taught us to step into his world. A world filled with challenges and differing perspectives.
“He taught us to embrace autism and we quickly learned from him that different is not less. We love you. Dan the Man – Forever in our hearts.”
Extensive tributes have been paid to the tragic youngster while hundreds of people commented on a moving video posted online by James of him and his son singing the Coldplay classic Fix You.
A statement from Kilronan Special School described Daniel as a “much-loved member of our community” and said it was with “great shock and sadness” they had learnt of his death.
A spokeswoman added: “We extend our deepest sympathy to his parents, sisters, grandparents and wider family circle at this very sad time and we ask that you would keep them in your thoughts and prayers.” Parish Priest Fr Patrick
SINN FEIN COUNCILLOR YESTERDAY
Doherty said he is helping the family deal with their grief.
He added: “Daniel’s death is tragic for the family and neighbourhood.
“People are shocked and neighbours have rallied to support the family, who have good faith and trust.”
Daniel’s family are involved in Watty Graham’s GAC in Maghera, which postponed an U-10 tournament as a mark of respect.
The club said the community was “heartbroken” by the loss of a “very special wee boy”.
Sinn Fein councillor Brian Mcguigan, who lives just a few miles from the Bradley family, said there was “unbelievable shock within the close-knit rural community”.
He added: “The impact will be felt widely as his family is well known and they were devoted to Daniel.”
The impact will be felt widely as his family is well known and devoted to him BRIAN MCGUIGAN