Tributes paid to young County Derry woman who died from injuries sustained in crash

Tributes have been paid to a young County Derry woman who passed away less than a week after she was involved in a road traffic collision.

Police have confirmed that 22 year-old Katya Watson, from the Coleraine area, died as a result of injuries she sustained in a three-vehicle crash last Friday afternoon (December 8).

A silver Vauxhall Corsa, a grey BMW 430D and blue Volvo XC90 were involved in the crash on the Lisnevenagh Road, Ballymena at 12.15pm.

Ms Watson was the driver of the Vauxhall Corsa.
Detective Sergeant McIvor from the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit has said police are keen to speak to the driver of a blue BMW who was travelling on the road at the time.
“We would appeal to anyone with any information or who may have dash-cam or mobile phone footage available to get in contact with us on 101, quoting reference number 701 08/12/23,” said the Sergeant.
“We are especially keen to hear from the driver of a blue BMW who was driving in the southbound lane at the time of the collision.”

Ms Watson, who was a twin, had attended Loreto College in Coleraine.

Tonight, the school paid tribute to her, saying: “Please pray for our dear past pupil, Katya Watson, who has tragically passed away on 13th December 2023 as a result of an accident.

“Katya and her twin sister Lucia attended Loreto from 2013 to 2020.

“Her older sister Francesca was a pupil here from 2009 to 2016.

“May she rest in peace.”

St Mary's GAC Slaughtmanus also paid tribute to Katya and her extended family who are members of the club.

“It is with sincere heartfelt sadness the club announce the death of Katya Watson aged 22. Daughter of Eamon and Angelique Watson, Coleraine, sister of Gabriella, Francesca, Aurora and Lucia,” read a online statement.

“On behalf St Mary’s GAC Slaughtmanus we express our deepest sympathy to Katya’s extended family and club members, grandparents and Club's Honorary President Jeff and his wife Sadie, uncles Sean, Kevin and Edward, aunts Caroline, Shona and Ann, cousins and entire family circle. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Rest In Peace.”