A joyful milestone turned into unimaginable heartbreak for a young couple in Ireland.
Cathrene Kith Quiñones Singco and her husband, Ralph, were killed following a devastating car crash that happened just one day after they celebrated their sixth wedding anniversary.
According to police, the couple were involved in a collision with another vehicle on Moira Road near Nutts Corner in Crumlin, outside Dublin, shortly after 2:00 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 11. Cathrene, a Filipino health care worker in her 30s, was sitting in the back seat at the time of the crash and was pregnant.
She and her unborn baby were rushed to the hospital, where both tragically died the following day, Monday, Jan. 12. Ralph, also in his 30s, succumbed to his injuries on Tuesday, Jan. 13. Authorities confirmed that six other people involved in the crash suffered minor injuries.
The loss is made even more heartbreaking by what the couple had just shared with loved ones online. Just one day before the crash, Cathrene and Ralph marked their sixth wedding anniversary by resharing a Facebook post filled with photos and videos from a trip to Switzerland. In one clip, the two can be seen dancing together in the snow, smiling and carefree.
“From traveling as two to traveling as three puhon,” Cathrene wrote in the post, referencing their growing family. “Happy 6th years married.”
After news of the tragedy spread, the comments section filled with messages of shock, grief, and condolences from friends, family, and strangers alike.
Police say an investigation into the fatal collision is ongoing. Detective Inspector Stewart from the Collision Investigation Unit said authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or who may have dash-cam footage from the area at the time to come forward.
Local officials also weighed in on safety concerns surrounding that stretch of road. Declan Kearney, a Sinn Féin MLA for South Antrim, noted that Moira Road has a history of serious and fatal crashes, citing high traffic volumes and speed limits reaching up to 60 mph.
He pointed to an overtaking lane near the Nutts Corner market as a particular danger for drivers entering the main roadway and said he plans to raise those concerns with the Department for Infrastructure.
“I want to extend my heartfelt sympathy to all those involved,” Kearney said.
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