A young woman who died tragically after she was struck by a Garda car in Buncrana in the early hours of this morning was returning from a night out while away with friends.
The victim has been named locally as Rebecca Browne who was from Derry.
It is understood Ms Browne, 21, had been staying in Ludden, Buncrana, close to where she was killed in a road traffic accident.
It is understood Ms Browne worked at Sage Hair and Beauty based on the Spencer Road in Derry City.
She was described as a genuine person who was full of life and always up for having a laugh.
Ms Browne was returning from a function at a local hotel in Buncrana when she was struck by a Garda car at approximately 3.15am.
The exact circumstances of the collision are not yet known.
The victim died at the scene and the scene was quickly preserved for a full forensic examination.
The scene of the fatal accident were a female lost her life. (NW Newspix)
Gardai immediately set up a forensic tent as forensic examiners arrived on the scene at first light.
The official marked Garda car involved in the incident also remained at the scene and was being technically examined.
Ms Browne’s body was removed from the scene and taken to hospital later for a post mortem but the road remains closed as the forensic examination of the scene continued.
The body of the woman who died has since been removed for post mortem but the road remained closed for a forensic examination this afternoon.
The incident was referred to the Garda Siochana Ombudsman Commission (GSOC) as the collision involved a Garda car.
Local County Councillor Jack Murray said the town was in shock after waking up to news of the tragedy.
He said “The whole town is in shock after yet another tragedy in the area.
“It was terrible to wake up to the news that somebody had lost their life but when you heard it was a young woman and in such tragic circumstances then that makes it even more tragic.
“The thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with this young woman and her family.
“You also have to think of whoever was driving the car and what they are going through. The entire incident is just so tragic.”
The area where Ms Browne was struck is not covered by public street lighting as it is outside of the town boundary.
The scene where this morning’s tragedy occurred is close to the entrance for Ludden Beach, between the local Applegreen Service Station and the entrance roundabout into Buncrana.
Friends of the tragic woman have been leaving messages of sympathy on their social media pages.
Allie McGarrigle wrote “Always giving us a laugh I don’t know how I’ll do it without you becca…please give us all the strength in these coming days and forever. My hardest goodbye”
Erin Maguire wrote “My gorgeous bestfriend Braon Leah Rebecca I don’t honestly know what I’m going to do without you or how I’m going to get through this my heart is completely broken I’ve lost my right arm.”
Ella Townsend “My hearts sore, love you so much. Our angel”
Meanwhile, Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information to contact them at Buncrana Garda station on 074 932 0540, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.
