Funeral for student nurse killed in Valentine's Day Crash

THE funeral of the woman who died in a road accident in Templepatrick on Valentine’s Day will take place tomorrow (Thursday).

Claudia Jaczyk was 23 and came from the Newtownabbey area

The accident involved an airport shuttle double-decker and a black Citroen C1.

Police, firefighters and ambulance crews were called to reports of the incident at around 8am last Saturday.

“The driver of the bus, a man in his 60s, was taken to hospital with serious injuries which are not believed to be life-threatening,” said the PSNI.

A spokesperson for Translink confirmed on Saturday that one of the company’s airport bus services was involved in the collision.

They said they were working closely with the police and other relevant authorities as their investigation continues.

“Our thoughts are with all those affected by this incident. The safety and well-being of our passengers and staff is our priority,” the firm added.

Three fire appliances including the specialist rescue team and the NI Ambulance Service also sent multiple resources to the scene.

SDLP South Antrim Councillor Roisin Lynch has described the death as ‘another heart-breaking tragedy on our roads’.

“This is heartbreaking tragedy, and my thoughts are with the family and friends of this young woman. Losing a loved one is never easy, but the loss of another young life on the North’s roads is devastating.

“My thoughts are also with the driver of the bus involved in the accident and I hope he makes a full recovery.

“I know that the local community will be shocked and saddened by this news and will do what they can to support the young woman’s family.

“The police have appealed to anyone who witnesses the collision to contact them, and I would ask people to help in any way they can.”

South Antrim MP Robin Swann said: “The loss of any young life on our roads is a tragedy, and it is really devastating to learn of Claudia Jaczyk’s passing over the weekend. Claudia was a student nurse with her entire life and career ahead of her.

“My thoughts and sympathies are with Claudia’s family and friends at what is an unimaginably difficult time for them all.

“I also wish the bus driver a full and speedy recovery from his injuries.”

Independent Airport Alderman Paul Michael said: “A terrible accident on Saturday in Templepatrick, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young lady who lost her life and wishes to the bus driver on a full recovery.”

And South Antrim DUP MLA Pam Cameron has paid tribute, saying: “This is a devastating loss for Claudia’s family, her friends and the wider community. My thoughts are with her loved ones at this very difficult time.”

Ms Jaczyk was a former pupil of Glengormley Integrated Primary School and Ballyclare Secondary School and had recently started training to become a nurse.

A former pupil at Glengormley Integrated Primary School and Ballyclare Secondary School, Ms Jaczyk had recently started nursing studies at Queen’s University.

Paying tribute on social media, Ballyclare Secondary School said: “Claudia was a truly lovely young person - full of life, always chatty, enthusiastic, and friendly. Her bubbly nature, sweet personality, and love of singing brought light and joy to those around her, and she will be fondly remembered by all who knew her.

“The entire Ballyclare Secondary School community wishes to express our deepest sympathy to Claudia’s family and friends at this heartbreaking time. Our thoughts are with you all.”

Queen’s University School of Nursing and Midwifery added: “Claudia was a valued member of our September ’25 Adult Nursing cohort. She was bright, compassionate, and deeply committed to fulfilling her passion for nursing.

“Her kindness and dedication left a lasting impression on staff and fellow students alike. This news has come as a tremendous shock to our community, and our heartfelt thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Claudia’s family and friends at this incredibly difficult time.

“We will remember Claudia for her warmth, her dedication to her studies and the care she brought to her chosen profession. She will be deeply missed.”

Her death notice read: “Beloved daughter of Damian and Marzena, devoted sister of Kuba, cherished partner of David, adored granddaughter of Krzysztof and Zofia, much loved niece of Grzesiek, Piotr and Marlena, loving cousin of Alan, Oliver and Nathan. She will be sadly missed by her entire family circle and all her many friends.”

A celebration of Claudia’s life will be held this Thursday, February 19 in Newtownabbey Crematorium, Doagh Road at 10am.

Meanwhile, a GoFundMe appeal set up to help Ms Jaczyk’s grieving family fly over from her native Poland to attend her funeral and with funeral costs has gathered over £17,000 in donations.

Anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with the police investigation, is asked to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 341 of February 14.