Latest news with #AllisonEichner
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Sunday World
Fundraiser launched for family of 'beautiful' US mom killed on 'special trip' to Ireland
Allison Eichner died after she was struck by a vehicle outside her hotel in Antrim A fundraiser has been launched to raise money following the death of a US mom who was killed while on a special trip to Ireland. Allison Eichner from Connecticut died in a road crash in Bushmills, Co Antrim, last Wednesday, June 11th. Three of her friends created the GoFundMe page to help her husband, Dan and her two sons following their 'sudden and heartbreaking loss.' 'Allison was truly a beautiful person — inside and out — with a kindness and generosity that radiated through everything she did,' the fundraiser reads. Allison Eichner News in 90 Seconds - June 18th 'She had a gift for making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and truly cared for.' 'Allison was a devoted wife to Dan and an amazing mom to their two beautiful boys, Sean and Joey. 'Her love for her family was limitless, and her greatest joy was being their rock, their safe place, and their biggest cheerleader,' the post continued. 'To those who knew her well, Allison's quiet sense of humor often caught you off guard — sweet on the surface, with an unexpectedly sharp and hilarious wit, and a wonderfully dirty sense of humor that always made you laugh when you least expected it. Her friends said that she 'gave endlessly' asking for nothing in return. 'Whether it was her time, her love, or just a listening ear over a cup of tea (with gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, of course), Allison was always there.' Her friends said that Allison was on a long-awaited special trip to Ireland to 'explore her heritage.' 'What was meant to be a time of joy and exploration ended far too soon in an unimaginable tragedy.' 'As we process this devastating loss, many have asked how they can help,' they continued. 'This GoFundMe has been created to support Dan, Sean, and Joey — to help with funeral expenses, immediate needs, and to provide some peace of mind as they begin to find their way forward.' They also asked mourners to keep Allison's family in their thoughts and prayers. So far more than $70,000 has been raised by 562 donors. Following the one-vehicle collision, Allison, a pedestrian, was rushed to hospital where she died from her injuries. The driver of the vehicle Cathy Stewart (66) appeared at Coleraine Magistrates' Court on Friday, charged with causing death by dangerous driving. The court heard that the special needs teacher from Benton, Illinois lost control of an electric Ford Transit vehicle as she parked it outside a hotel. 'The defendant collided with the pedestrian while she sat on a bench at the front of the property,' a police constable told the hearing. Stewart was granted bail with several conditions and a £5,000 cash surety. The case is unlikely to be heard until 2026.
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
Tourist crushed to death at UK beauty spot on 'long-awaited' trip of a lifetime
American tourist Allison Eichner, from Connecticut, was killed in a crash near the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland - her friend has paid a moving tribute to her An American tourist involved in a fatal crash near the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland was on a "long-awaited" holiday that "ended too soon". Members of the emergency services were rushed to the scene of the collision near a hotel in Bushmills in Co Antrim after lunchtime on June 11 where Connecticut woman Allison Eichner was struck by a car. The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) confirmed the woman passed away in hospital due to her injuries. A GoFundMe page set up by friends to support Allison's family paid tribute to the mum of two, describing her as a "beautiful person". The post detailed how she was on the trip of a lifetime, visiting the island of to explore her heritage. "With heavy hearts, we share the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our dear friend, Allison Eichner," it read. "Allison was truly a beautiful person — inside and out — with a kindness and generosity that radiated through everything she did. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and truly cared for. US tourist 'hit accelerator rather than brake in fatal crash' near Giant's Causeway "Just days ago, Allison was on a long-awaited, special trip to Ireland to explore her heritage. What was meant to be a time of joy and exploration ended far too soon in an unimaginable tragedy. "Allison was a devoted wife to Dan and an amazing mom to their two beautiful boys, Sean and Joey. Her love for her family was limitless, and her greatest joy was being their rock, their safe place, and their biggest cheerleader." The tribute continued: "To those who knew her well, Allison's quiet sense of humour often caught you off guard — sweet on the surface, with an unexpectedly sharp and hilarious wit, and a wonderfully dirty sense of humour that always made you laugh when you least expected it. She was the person who gave endlessly, never asking for anything in return. Whether it was her time, her love, or just a listening ear over a cup of tea (with gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, of course), Allison was always there. "As we process this devastating loss, many have asked how they can help. This GoFundMe has been created to support Dan, Sean, and Joey — to help with funeral expenses, immediate needs, and to provide some peace of mind as they begin to find their way forward." So far, the fundraiser has earned more than $57,000. Another US resident has been charged over the incident. Cathy Stewart, 67, appeared at Coleraine Magistrates' court on Friday, June 13 charged with causing death by careless driving. A police officer told the court the collision, involving a grey Ford Transit vehicle, happened at the front of the Causeway Hotel in Bushmills at around 12.15pm on Wednesday. The officer said a pedestrian who was sitting on a bench was hit during the crash. The Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) and Ambulance Service personnel rushed to the scene of the collision. The pedestrian was taken to Causeway Hospital in Coleraine but sadly died of her injuries. In court, the police officer said footage obtained from the hotel showed the vehicle being "parked in a disabled parking bay" before passengers departed, Belfast Live reports. The court heard that the footage shows the vehicle "move forward slowly" before it "suddenly bolts forward". The deceased's brother, who was also sitting on the bench, managed to "jump out of the way" of the moving car, the court heard. The officer said Ms Stewart, who was cautioned at the scene, "gave an account consistent with the CCTV." The driver told police she had "tried to apply the foot brake and hit the accelerator" and she "appeared remorseful" during interview, the officer said. The defendant said she had "never driven an electric or hybrid vehicle before" and had mistakenly believed the vehicle was "off". The court was told the defendant said she had got back in to the car and was "feeling for the brake to stop the vehicle". A defence solicitor described the collision as a "tragic, tragic case" where a "simple error" has had "catastrophic consequences." The solicitor read a portion of the defendant's interview with police, where Stewart had described herself as "just devastated". The solicitor told the court the defendant had said she "can't get that family out of my head" and that her "only thoughts are with that family". The court heard the defendant had worked for decades as a special needs teacher, had no criminal record, and had never been involved in an at-fault collision before. Bail was granted with a £5,000 cash surety with the judge describing it as "entirely disproportionate" to keep the defendant in custody or away from her home in the United States during what he said is expected to be a lengthy judicial process. The case was listed again for July 1.
Extra.ie
4 days ago
- Extra.ie
Tributes paid to US tourist killed in crash during 'long-awaited' trip to Ireland
Heartfelt tributes have been paid to an American mum-of-two who tragically lost her life during what was described as a 'long-awaited, special trip to Ireland to explore her heritage.' Allison Eichner, from Connecticut, died after being struck by a vehicle in the Causeway Road area of Bushmills, Co Antrim, at around 12.30pm on Wednesday. The incident has left her family, friends, and local community devastated. Ms Eichner, who was in her 40s, had travelled to Ireland as part of a personal journey to connect with her Irish roots. A fundraising campaign set up in her memory by close friends has already raised more than $58,500 (€50,000) to support her husband Dan and their two sons, Sean and Joey. A message shared on the GoFundMe page reads: 'With heavy hearts, we share the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our dear friend, Allison Eichner. Allison Eichner. Pic: GoFundMe 'Allison was truly a beautiful person, inside and out, with a kindness and generosity that radiated through everything she did. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and truly cared for. 'Allison was a devoted wife to Dan and an amazing mom to their two beautiful boys, Sean and Joey. Her love for her family was limitless, and her greatest joy was being their rock, their safe place, and their biggest cheerleader. 'To those who knew her well, Allison's quiet sense of humor often caught you off guard — sweet on the surface, with an unexpectedly sharp and hilarious wit, and a wonderfully dirty sense of humor that always made you laugh when you least expected it. She was the person who gave endlessly, never asking for anything in return. Whether it was her time, her love, or just a listening ear over a cup of tea (with gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, of course), Allison was always there. 'Just days ago, Allison was on a long-awaited, special trip to Ireland to explore her heritage. What was meant to be a time of joy and exploration ended far too soon in an unimaginable tragedy.' Maggie Essex, one of the organisers of the fundraiser, said the funds would help cover funeral costs and immediate needs for the family during this incredibly difficult time. 'As we process this devastating loss, many have asked how they can help,' she wrote. 'If you can give, thank you. If you can share, thank you. Most of all, please keep Allison's family in your thoughts and prayers. Thank you for your love and support.' To donate, click the link here.
The Independent
5 days ago
- The Independent
US tourist fronts court over fatal crash outside Northern Ireland hotel
An American woman has appeared in court in Northern Ireland, charged with causing death by careless driving in what has been described as a tragic incident for all involved. Coleraine Magistrates' Court heard that Cathy Stewart, 66, a special needs teacher from Benton, Illinois, lost control of an electric vehicle as she parked it outside a hotel in Bushmills. The vehicle was described as having 'suddenly bolted forward' into furniture, striking Allison Eichner, aged in her 40s and from Connecticut, on Wednesday afternoon. Ms Eichner was taken to hospital but died of her injuries. Relatives of Ms Eichner watched court proceedings remotely while Stewart was granted bail on a number of conditions, including residing at her home address in Illinois and a £5,000 cash surety, in recognition that the case is unlikely to be heard until 2026 at the earliest. Ms Stewart appeared before the court on Friday morning, charged with causing death by careless driving on Wednesday, June 11, on the Causeway Road in Bushmills. She indicated she understood the charge when it was put to her. A police constable said she believed she could connect the accused to the charge. She also described a tragic incident for all involved, and said police were 'not entirely opposed to bail', describing the 'big problem' as being the address of the defendant but said with a substantial cash surety, bail could be an option. 'On Wednesday, June 11, at approximately a quarter past 12 in the afternoon, a single-vehicle road traffic collision occurred at the front of the Causeway Hotel on the Causeway Road in Bushmills,' she told the court. 'It involved a grey Ford Transit, a multiple-person vehicle, being driven by the defendant. The defendant collided with the pedestrian while she sat on a bench at the front of the property.' She said Ms Eichner suffered severe injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to the Causeway Hospital, but died of her injuries a short time later. 'CCTV footage of the collision was obtained from the hotel, and it shows a Ford Transit being parked in the disabled parking bay after which the passengers get out and make their way into the hotel entrance,' she said. 'The driver's door appears to open slightly as though the driver was exiting the vehicle, however, the vehicle moves forward slowly, and then suddenly bolts forward colliding with a light fixture, outdoor dining furniture and the victim who was sitting beside her brother on a bench. 'Her brother jumped out of the way but unfortunately the injured party sustained the full impact of the vehicle. 'The defendant was cautioned at the scene and gave an account consistent with the CCTV. The defendant stated she believed she had turned the car off before attempting to exit and as it rolled forward she tried to apply the foot brake however instead she hit the accelerator causing the collision.' The constable said Ms Stewart was interviewed by police with her solicitor, answered all questions put to her, co-operated fully, and appeared remorseful. 'She had been in Northern Ireland since Tuesday afternoon on holiday with family and friends. She had left Belfast that morning with the ultimate destination of heading to Londonderry,' she said. 'The vehicle was a rental vehicle and she described taking time to familiarise herself with the controls before she left the airport. The defendant would say she was very cautious driving and stated she was in no rush. 'She admitted that she had never driven an electric or hybrid vehicle before, she described pulling into the parking space, stating that she pressed the start/stop button on the left hand side of the steering wheel and as far as she was concerned, the vehicle shut down and stopped. 'The passengers in the vehicle got out and she remained in the driver's seat for a short time before stepping out of the vehicle and feeling it moving forward. She described trying to get back in and feeling for the brake, trying to stop the vehicle, however she stated she was feeling shocked and disorientated about what happened.' A defence lawyer for Ms Stewart described a 'tragic, tragic case'. 'This was a simple error which has caused catastrophic consequences,' he said. 'This was an electric vehicle, she pushed the button, she assumed that the vehicle was off and of course being electric it doesn't make any noise. Unfortunately, it has surged forward. 'At the end of her interview, she was asked was there anything she wanted to say, I'll read what she said 'I'm just devastated, I can't get that family out of my mind. I'm the person who protects, to know that someone lost their life is devastating'. 'This is devastating for two sets of people, most especially the family of the deceased, and throughout Mrs Stewart's only thoughts have been with that bereaved family.' He urged that bail be granted, adding she will have no difficulty coming back. 'She worked as a special needs teacher then a counsellor in a secondary school for over 40 years. She now works with a teaching union,' he said. The judge said bail was 'entirely appropriate in this case', given that the evidential and forensic requirements of prosecution are going to take some time. 'Given that, it would be entirely disproportionate and inappropriate to keep you in custody for the duration of the investigation,' he said. 'Equally, it would be entirely disproportionate to keep you from the United States whilst the investigation is ongoing, so I will grant bail. The case is to be mentioned next on July 1.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Yahoo
CT woman dies in Northern Ireland crash. She was known as ‘truly a beautiful person inside and out'
A Windsor woman, wife and mother of two died after being struck by a car while vacationing in Northern Ireland. The news of the passing of Allison Eichner last Wednesday was confirmed by two European news organization and a GoFundMe drive back home in Connecticut. 'With heavy hearts, we share the sudden and heartbreaking loss of our dear friend, Allison Eichner. Allison was truly a beautiful person — inside and out — with a kindness and generosity that radiated through everything she did. She had a gift for making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and truly cared for,' the GoFundMe post said. 'Allison was a devoted wife to Dan and an amazing mom to their two beautiful boys, Sean and Joey. Her love for her family was limitless, and her greatest joy was being their rock, their safe place, and their biggest cheerleader,' it said. The GoFundMe account had raised just shy of $50,000 on Sunday morning with a goal of $65,000. 'Just days ago, Allison was on a long-awaited, special trip to Ireland to explore her heritage. What was meant to be a time of joy and exploration ended far too soon in an unimaginable tragedy,' the GoFundMe post stated. 'As we process this devastating loss, many have asked how they can help. This GoFundMe has been created to support Dan, Sean, and Joey — to help with funeral expenses, immediate needs, and to provide some peace of mind as they begin to find their way forward.' 'If you can give, thank you. If you can share, thank you. Most of all, please keep Allison's family in your thoughts and prayers,' the post concluded. According to Irish Star reporting, Eichner 'died after being hit by a car near the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland on Tuesday' and 'was struck by a car near a hotel in Bushmills, Co Antrim. The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said they treated her at the scene before rushing her to Causeway Hospital. She later died.' According to the Irish Star reporting, one person was taken into custody and was cooperative following the collision. According to the news site Independent, 'Cathy Stewart, 66, a special needs teacher from Benton, Illinois, lost control of an electric vehicle as she parked it outside a hotel in Bushmills.' Steward appeared in Northern Ireland court last week after being charged with causing death by careless driving, according to the Independent. According to Independent reporting on Friday, 'The vehicle was described as having 'suddenly bolted forward' into furniture, striking Allison Eichner, aged in her 40s and from Connecticut, on Wednesday afternoon.' According to the Independent reporting Eichner's family watched Friday's court proceedings remotely last week. 'Stewart was granted bail on a number of conditions, including residing at her home address in Illinois and a (5,000 pound) cash surety, in recognition that the case is unlikely to be heard until 2026 at the earliest.' According to the Independent, a police constable spoke in court. 'On Wednesday June 11, at approximately a quarter past 12 in the afternoon, a single-vehicle road traffic collision occurred at the front of the Causeway Hotel on the Causeway Road in Bushmills,' she told the court, according to the Independent. 'It involved a grey Ford Transit, a multiple person vehicle, being driven by the defendant. The defendant collided with the pedestrian while she sat on a bench at the front of the property,' the Independent reported. The constable said Eichner was rushed to Causeway Hospital but died from her injuries a short time later. 'CCTV footage of the collision was obtained from the hotel, and it shows a Ford Transit being parked in the disabled parking bay after which the passengers get out and make their way into the hotel entrance,' the constable told the court, according to the Independent. 'The driver's door appears to open slightly as though the driver was exiting the vehicle, however the vehicle moves forward slowly, and then suddenly bolts forward colliding with a light fixture, outdoor dining furniture and the victim who was sitting beside her brother on a bench. 'Her brother jumped out of the way but unfortunately the injured party sustained the full impact of the vehicle. 'The defendant was cautioned at the scene and gave an account consistent with the CCTV. The defendant stated she believed she had turned the car off before attempting to exit and as it rolled forward she tried to apply the foot brake however instead she hit the accelerator causing the collision,' the Independent reported. The constable said Stewart 'cooperated fully and appeared remorseful.' The constable said it was a rental vehicle, and Stewart had never driven an electric or hybrid vehicle before. Stewart was given bail, according to the Independent reporting.
