Three Irish individuals lost their lives in a tragic accident involving a taxi and a car in southern Spain, and they have now been identified. The victims are Mark McCullagh, Michaela Newcombe, and Amy McCullagh, who was married to Mark’s brother Ian. The incident occurred near Malaga in the early hours of Sunday, with Spanish authorities reporting that the collision occurred around 2:30 am local time on the A7 motorway. One of the vehicles involved in the crash veered off an embankment beside the road.
Ian McCullagh, a fourth Irish national, survived the accident but sustained serious injuries and is currently hospitalized in Spain. All three deceased individuals were from Mullingar, Co Westmeath. Ian, aged 31, had recently wed Amy in southern Spain in August 2024, according to the Irish Mirror.
Tributes have been pouring in for Michaela Newcombe, who was employed as the head receptionist at Havan Sun Mullingar beauty school. Described as a “kind, caring, beautiful soul” who was always “full of life” and had a “kind word for everyone she met,” she has been fondly remembered by friends and colleagues.
Local Sinn Féin councillor Julie McCourt expressed the town’s shock over the tragedy, extending heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims in Mullingar and beyond. The whole community is deeply saddened by the loss, and they are being kept in thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.
