The loved ones of a teenage girl in Wexford are “devastated” and “heartbroken” as the 14-year-old died from the serious injuries she sustained in a crash last week.
Sophie Caulfield, of Cluain Huighead, New Ross, Wexford, was rushed to Wexford General Hospital and later to Temple Street Children’s Hospital following a car crash that occurred in Sheastown, Wellingtonbridge at approximately 6.20am on Wednesday, July 8.
She received serious injuries in the crash and was in a critical condition as a result.
Two males and another female were also in the vehicle at the time and they were brought to hospital for various injuries including broken bones.
Sophie, a student at St Mary’s Secondary School, New Ross, tragically passed away in hospital on Friday, July 17, while surrounded by her loving family.
The news of Sophie’s passing has been met with shock and devastation, as her heartbroken family describe her as someone who “lit up so many lives”.
Tributes continue to pour in as people offer their support and condolences to her grieving family. One tribute describes Sophie as “a lovely, polite young girl”. “She was always courteous and polite to our family. She loved coming up to play with the puppies when we had them,” the tribute continued.
“Sophie will be sorely missed around the estate and no matter what we say the pain you are feeling right now is all that you can feel. Rest in peace Sophie, we will miss you,” they said.
Another friend of Sophie’s said: “Rest in eternal peace, beautiful Sophie. My sincere condolences to Paula, Derek and both extended families, it’s utterly heartbreaking, a never ending nightmare. May god wrap his arms around her.”
Sophie is described by many of her heartbroken friends as “an amazing person” and “she had the kindest heart”.
“She had a laugh that was unforgettable. Sophie’s family should be so proud for raising such a wonderful person. Sophie filled up every room she walked into with joy and happiness, and she was there for everyone,” her friend continued.
“She was so loved; she had so many friends and family that cared about her. She’s the most beautiful person, and she always managed to have love for everyone and made everyone’s day better... I’m so happy we got to make memories together. Rest easy my beautiful best friend, I love you millions, Sophie,” they said.
Some other words of comfort offered to Sophie’s parents described the teenager as a “beautiful, funny and bright child”.
“Sophie had the best manners and respect for everyone, and she always talked so highly of her family. She loved them all to bits,” they said.
Funeral arrangements will be announced on Monday, July 20, and the family has requested “everyone to wear bright and colourful clothing to honour Sophie’s life”. Donations can be made to Temple Street Children’s Hospital.
She was pre-deceased by her uncle John and was the beloved daughter of Derek and Paula, sister of Cian and Mikayla, cherished granddaughter of Angela and the late Jimmy (Caulfield) and Ned and the late Nancy (O’Connor). Sophie will be sadly missed by her loving parents, brother, sister, grandparents, aunts, uncles, granduncles, grandaunts, cousins and a large circle of friends.