'Much-loved' mother-of-two killed in single-vehicle crash: Family grieving double tragedy as she and her father die days apart

Daily Mail​

21-04-2025

A 'very much-loved' mother-of-two has passed away after a tragic road accident in Northern Ireland, as loved ones share heartbreaking tributes at the 'tremendous loss'.
Shelly Feeney, who was in her 30s, was driving in Ballymooney last Monday morning when she was involved in a single-vehicle collision where a child also received minor injuries.
The north Antrim local was then airlifted to hospital where she spent the next five days 'bravely fighting for her life' in intensive care but died on Saturday.
Her death comes only a few days after her father, who passed away suddenly on Tuesday it was reported - 24 hours after his daughter's crash.
Bushvalley Primary School, where she worked as a 'highly esteemed and valued classroom assistant', have shared their 'sincere sympathies' to her family at the 'deep sadness' of her passing.
They added that 'our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family circle at this very difficult time'.
Heartbroken parents and colleagues rushed to share their condolences on the 'devastating news'.
Cassie Hunter said 'it was an absolute pleasure working with Shelley. She had a heart of gold' while Clare Steele added 'sending sincere sympathies to her children, partner and extended family. Thinking of you all at Bushvalley where her passing will be felt by children and colleagues. What a tremendous loss'.
Rachel Longwell wrote 'so sorry to hear this awful news. Thinking of Shelley's family, friends and everyone at Bushvalley during this difficult time' alongside Trace Mac's comment that 'this is such sad news and there will be a lot of very sad little ones given the impact she made on them. Thoughts are with her family at this time'.
A reverend has also raised more than £22,000 on GoFundMe, set up to support the family during the 'incredibly difficult and worrying time for everyone who knows and loves Shelly'.
Rev Andre Alves-Areias - who is the minister at the Church she will be buried at - said she was a 'dear friend' and hoped the money raised last week would support Ms Feeney's partner Stephen at the 'critical time'.
He told The Belfast Telegraph that his 'heart goes out to Stephen and the children, and to Bobby (her brother) and the wider family...and of course to her friends and colleagues.'
'I was touched to see the community come together last week and I know they'll continue to come together for the family over the days, weeks, months and years that come,' he added.
Rev Andre Alves-Areias said he led a prayer for her family last week and was touched by how 'almost every seat was taken'.
'The community are really feeling the weight of what has happened, but are rallying round in an amazing way to help support the family.'
Written before she passed away, the GoFundMe stated: 'At this critical time Stephen needs to be with her as much as he can.
'However, being constantly present at the hospital often involves significant unexpected costs – things like travel back and forth, parking, meals, and time off work.
'The last thing Stephen should have to worry about right now is the financial strain of being there for Shelly.'
The TUV leader Jim Allister MP said 'every death is keenly felt by the loved ones impacted. However, when the passing is so sudden and the result of a tragic accident it is felt all the more keenly'.
He added: 'I know there will be people over a wide area who will be upholding them in prayer at this time.'
The party's vice chairman Councillor Allister Kyle also said they were 'deeply saddened to learn of the death of Shelly Feeney following a tragic accident last week' and shared that they knew Stephen 'well' thanks to his involvement with Coleraine Football Club.
'The esteem in which the family is held is demonstrated by the fact that a Go Fund Me set up in the wake of the accident has already raised in excess of £20,000,' he added.
Ms Feeney's funeral is set to take place on Wednesday morning and her family has asked for well-wishers to give donations to Air Ambulance N.I. instead of flowers.