An Garda Síochána/ EBUThe “devastated” family of a Scottish student who was among five people killed in a crash in Ireland are pleading to bring her body home.
Chloe Hipson, from Lanarkshire, was pronounced dead at the scene of the collision that took place in County Louth around 9pm on Saturday.
She was travelling towards Dundalk in a Volkswagen Golf when it was involved in a crash with a Toyota Land Cruiser.
The 21-year-old was in her second year at Dundalk Institute of Technology studying quantity surveying after moving to Ireland earlier this year.
Dundalk Institute of TechnologyMore than £17,000 has been raised in a bid to support her family in bringing her body home to Scotland.
A post on the GoFundMe, organised by Bellshill Amateurs FC, read: “Chloe sadly passed away after being involved in road traffic collision in Ireland. A young woman ready to live her life taken from her family far too soon.
“Chloe is the younger sister of current player Ryan and we don’t have the words to convey how devastated we are for Ryan and his full family.
“We are looking to help the Hipson family raise funds towards funeral costs and the costs of bringing Chloe home so that they can say their goodbyes properly and give her the loving send-off she deserves.”
A spokesperson from the college said they were “heartbroken” to hear of the deaths.
A book of condolences for Ms Hipson has been set up at the college, with classmates penning tributes on Monday.
The college said in a statement: “Many of those involved in this tragedy have deep ties to the DkIT community.
“We remember Chloe Hipson, a second-year quantity surveying student, who joined DkIT in September of this year from Lanarkshire in Scotland.
“We also remember former student Shay Duffy, who recently completed phase six of his plumbing apprenticeship with us.
“Condolences also to our colleagues in O’Fiaich College on the loss of Chloe McGee who worked closely with the DkIT team on the TY Entrepreneurship Programme.
“Our thoughts are with their families and friends and also the families and friends of Alan McCluskey and Dylan Commins during this very difficult time.”
North Motherwell Football Club also paid tribute to the 21-year-old, who’s brother Ryan previously played for the club.
A post on social media read: “North Motherwell Football Club are devastated to hear the tragic news of the untimely passing of Chloe Hipson, Chloe is the little sister to one of our veteran players Ryan Hipson, Ryan you and your family have always held a special place in the hearts of everyone at NMFC and are very much still part of our football family, I am sure everyone will join me in sending our deepest condolences to you, Toni, Ryan, wee Tommy and all your family at this life shattering time.
“As a mark of respect, NMFC will host a one-minute’s silence in memory of Chloe and to show our support for the Hipson family.
“Rest in peace, Chloe Hipson.”
Four others, Chloe McGee, 23, and Shay Duffy, 21, both from Carrickmacross; and Alan McCluskey, 23, from Drumconrath, and Dylan Commins, 23, from Ardee, died in the “shocking and devastating” incident.
Three other people, one of whom is also in his early 20s, were also left injured.
Ireland’s premier Micheal Martin said he was “numbed and shocked” at the news, and deputy premier Simon Harris said a “veil of deep sadness” had come over the country.
An investigation continues into the incident on the L3168 at Gibstown and an appeal for information has been made.
Irish President Catherine Connolly said she was “deeply saddened and shocked” at the loss of five “precious, young lives” on Saturday night.
She said: “I am thinking of them, their families and of those injured.
“May I acknowledge also all those first responders who have worked to support all involved.”
You can view the fundraiser for Chloe here.
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