A SCHOOLGIRL who was pulled from a river after being reported missing yesterday has tragically died in hospital.
The 15-year-old girl, who has been named locally as Imogen Cleary-Vong, was rescued from the Moyola River in Castledawson, Co Derry after she was reported missing at around 5am yesterday morning.
Lough Neagh Search and Rescue team, fire and ambulance crews rushed to the river early yesterday and the young girl was pulled from the water and rushed to Antrim Area Hospital.
However, the PSNI confirmed that the teenager was sadly pronounced dead in hospital later, adding that “the death is not being treated as suspicious at this time”.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service said crews mobilised at 5:18am, deploying two fire appliances from Magherafelt, the water rescue team from Crescent Link in Derry and specialist rescue teams from Central Fire Station in Belfast.
A spokesperson said: “Firefighters using water rescue equipment, thermal cameras and the rescue boat attended and working with other agencies, they removed one casualty from the water and into care of the NIAS and she was transferred to Antrim Area Hospital.”
Imogen, who was a pupil at Saint Mary’s Grammar School in Magherafelt, has been remembered as the “beloved daughter” of Michael and Pauline and “loving sister” of Dylan and Cody.
A notice online said: “Deeply regretted by her father, mother, brothers, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family circle and friends.”
It added: “Angel of God, my guardian dear, To whom God’s love commits me here, Ever this day, be at my side, To light and guard, Rule and guide. Amen.”
Funeral details for the young girl will be confirmed at a later date and the wake has not yet commenced.
Heartbreaking tributes have poured in for Imogen, with mourners taking to social media to remember the “beautiful wee soul”.
One person said: “What a beautiful girl and such a loss for her family.”
Another said: “So sorry for your loss Pauline, husband and boys. A beautiful girl. Forever young.”
A third added: “Absolutely heartbreaking news. A beautiful young lady. Pauline I am so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all at this sad time.”
‘EVERY PARENT’S NIGHTMARE’
Castledawson councillor Denise Johnston said the tragedy was “a shock” to the community.
She told the Belfast Telegraph: “She was such a bright, intelligent young girl, who had so much to live for.
“For her parents, they will be living every parent’s nightmare, losing their only daughter.
“No-one can quite believe such a beautiful young life has been lost in such tragic circumstances.”
A spokesperson for the PSNI said: “Police responded to a report in relation to a female in the water in the Castledawson area.
“Officers attended the scene, together with colleagues from other emergency services, where the female was rescued from the water.
“Sadly she later died in hospital. The death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.”
