Boy, 6, dies after horror crash days before his 7th birthday as dad fights for his life in hospital

A BOY has died a few days before his seventh birthday after he was badly hurt in a crash on the way to school.

Ethan McCourt died after five days in hospital where his dad Declan is still fighting for life in Co Antrim, Northern Ireland.

Heartbroken friends paid tribute to the youngster, from Toomebridge.

The Right Reverend Monsignor Andrew Dolan described Ethan as a “typical wee boy” who was “just so full of fun”.

The parish priest in nearby Bellaghy said Ethan was an only child and would have celebrated his seventh birthday later this week.

He : “He loved playing with all his wee friends at St Mary’s school.

“The teachers and just the whole school are in complete shock.

“There was a lot of shock last week but now there’s just an awful sadness over the whole village after this news.

“Everyone here in Bellaghy has, and continues to have, Ethan and his whole family in their prayers.”

Another tribute on a community page said: “Heartbreaking and such a gorgeous little boy thinking of his poor mum and dad (hoping he recovers from his injuries) and all the McKenna and McCourt families. Totally heartbreaking.”

Ethan and Declan were seriously hurt when their black Mercedes crashed at a roundabout at 7.45am last Monday, June 20.

Police appealed for dashcam footage but said they believed no other vehicles were involved.

Bellaghy Wolfe Tones Gaelic Athletic Club paid tribute to Ethan yesterday.

There was a lot of shock last week but now there’s just an awful sadness over the whole village after this news.

Rev. Andrew Dolan

It said: “We are devastated to share the news that our underage player Ethan McCourt has sadly passed to his eternal rest following an accident earlier this week.

“Deepest condolences to his parents Oonagh & Declan & extended McKenna & McCourt families.

“His Father Declan remains in our thoughts as he continues to receive treatment in hospital.”

Ethan’s school said: “We pray for the staff and children at Saint Mary’s Primary school, Bellaghy and send heartfelt condolences to the families and friends of Ethan McCourt, nephew of our esteemed Governor Eileen Devlin.

“Rest In Peace little Ethan.”

Bellaghy Primary School Parent Teacher Association added: “I was so saddened to hear of the passing of six year old Ethan McCourt, a pupil of St. Mary’s Primary School, Bellaghy, following that tragic accident last week.

“I can not begin to imagine the impact of this devastating news on his family and the school community of St. Mary’s.

“As a school family at Bellaghy P.S., we extend our heartfelt sympathy to Ethan’s family circle, his friends and staff members at St. Mary’s P.S.”