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Town Mourns

Thursday, 12 January 2012

Husband still 'critical' after crash which claims life of Tandragee mum-of-three

THE close knit community of Tandragee has been plunged into mourning after a mother-of-three died and her husband was left fighting for his life following a horror road crash outside the town on Saturday evening.
The victim, named locally as Tracy Forde, died from her injuries after the car she was driving was involved in a collision with another vehicle on the Portadown Road, just a short distance from the town, at around 6.30pm.
Mrs Forde's husband Christopher, who was a passenger in the vehicle, sustained serious injuries in the crash and remained in a critical but stable condition in hospital at the time of going to press yesterday (Monday). It is understood the couple, who are both aged in their early 40s and from Castle Rise in the town, have two sons and a daughter.
The male driver and front seat passenger who were travelling in the other vehicle were taken to hospital, but their injuries are not believed to be life-threatening.
Emergency services were on the scene within minutes of the collision and firefighters had to use specialist cutting equipment to rescue one of the injured.
All those involved in the crash were transferred by ambulance to Craigavon Area Hospital, where sadly Mrs Forde died from her injuries.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves throughout the Tandragee area, where the Forde family have lived for many years.
Independent Unionist Councillor Paul Berry, who came upon the accident on Saturday evening, was among the many offering sympathy to the Forde family at this difficult time.
“I wish to express my shock and sadness at the sad death of Mrs Tracy Forde on Saturday evening following the tragic road traffic accident on the Portadown Road outside Tandragee.
“We actually came upon the accident even before the emergency services arrived and it was clear when we went to see if any help was needed that it was a serious accident.
“Our thoughts and prayers are also with Mr Forde, who is hospitalised following the accident, and trust that he makes a recovery as soon as possible for his children.
“The local community is in total shock as a result of this very tragic loss of a young mother and the local people are praying for the family and friends at this sad and distressing time."
Also expressing shock at the tragic death of the local mother was Tandragee DUP Councillor Gareth Wilson.
“This is an absolute tragedy and a horrific start to 2012 for this local family. It is such a distressing situation.
“I understand that the lady's husband, who was also in the vehicle, is in a serious condition in hospital and my thoughts and prayers are with him and hopefully his condition will improve."
Councillor Wilson said he had been encouraged by recent news headlines which stated road deaths had been decreasing and only a few days later this terrible tragedy had occurred to a local family.
“Our roads remain a dangerous place and this is a very solemn reminder that we all must always exercise extreme care when travelling."
Newry and Armagh Ulster Unionist Assembly Member Danny Kennedy also offered his since sympathy to the Forde family.
“It's obviously very tragic circumstances and the entire local community are shocked at the death of a well-known local lady.
“I would like to express sympathy to the family involved at this time," Mr Kennedy added.
Police are appealing to anyone who was travelling on the Portadown Road, Tandragee, between 6.15pm and 6.40pm on Saturday, January 7, and witnessed the collision to contact them on 0845 600 8000.
At the time of going to press, funeral arrangements for the victim had not been made available.