The quiet of the Boxing Day evening was shattered by a grief no family should ever know. Fourteen-year-old Aaron succumbed to injuries sustained in a collision days earlier, leaving a community reeling and a family utterly heartbroken.
The incident occurred on December 21st, on a private road in Burnopfield. Emergency services responded swiftly, dispatching a significant response team including ambulances, a hazardous area response team, and specialist paramedics to the scene.
Two boys were rushed to the Royal Victoria Infirmary, their lives hanging in the balance. While one, a thirteen-year-old, has since been released to recover at home, Aaron’s injuries proved too severe.
Aaron’s family released a statement, their words echoing with a pain that resonated deeply. They spoke of a son deeply loved and profoundly missed by all who knew him, a void that can never be filled.
The outpouring of support from friends, family, and the wider community offered a small measure of comfort during this unimaginable time. The family expressed their gratitude for the dedication of the ambulance service, police, and the medical staff at the hospital.
Their thoughts also extended to others affected by the tragedy, a testament to their compassion even in the face of devastating loss. Now, they ask for the space and privacy needed to grieve the heartbreaking loss of their son.
Police are continuing a thorough investigation to understand the circumstances surrounding the collision. Road Policing Inspector Mick Todd described the incident as “horrific,” emphasizing the gravity of the situation and the profound impact on the boys and their families.
Investigators are appealing to the public for any information that might assist in piecing together the events of that evening. Anyone with knowledge of the incident is urged to come forward and share what they know.
