On the evening of September 15, 2025, the quiet roads of County Down were shattered by a devastating two-vehicle collision on Ballydugan Road in Downpatrick. The crash, involving a silver VW Bora and a grey Toyota Avensis, has left a community in mourning and police investigators searching for answers. In the days that followed, the tragedy deepened, as not one, but two young men lost their lives as a result of the incident.
The first to succumb to his injuries was Ryan Cunningham, a 21-year-old whose life was cut short just a day after the crash. According to Belfast Live, Ryan died in hospital on September 16, 2025, sending shockwaves through his family, friends, and the wider community. His funeral, held at Sacred Heart Church Killowen on September 19, became a focal point for collective grief and reflection.
Canon Sean Kearney, speaking at Ryan's funeral, captured the heartbreak felt by all who knew him. "The news of Ryan's death was a message which shocked and saddened all who knew him. We could scarcely believe it then and we can scarcely believe it now. We have lost a valued and loved member of our community. And really, we are trying to make sense of an aspect of human life, which is so difficult to understand," Canon Kearney said, as reported by Belfast Live. He continued, "We do not know why God has taken Ryan at this young age and probably we will never comprehend it this side of the grave. Today we need to ask ourselves, is there anything we can hold on to, to help us through this time of grief? And something to help us cope with the feeling of darkness and the feeling of a bright light, which has been extinguished?"
Canon Kearney went on to celebrate Ryan's life and legacy: "There is the memory of Ryan himself, his personality, his achievements, the gift that he was to his family and to his friends, to his primary school here in Killowen, and to St. Mark's in Warrenpoint, and to his local community. For Ryan was a gift who helped spread God's love everywhere he went during his short life. And for the gift of this young person, we give thanks and praise to God. We are all the better for having known him."
But the community’s grief did not end there. Exactly one week after the collision, on the night of September 22, 2025, Caoimhin Teggart, aged 28 and hailing from the Kilkeel area, died in hospital from injuries sustained in the same crash. Multiple outlets, including BBC News and Donegal Live, confirmed Caoimhin’s passing, marking a second loss that compounded the sadness enveloping County Down.
Both men had their lives ahead of them, and their sudden deaths have left families grappling with immeasurable loss. The crash also sent two women, who were passengers in the Toyota Avensis, to hospital for treatment. Their conditions have not been detailed in the available reports, but their need for medical care underscores the severity of the incident.
Police have been quick to emphasize the ongoing nature of their investigation. A spokesperson for the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) stated, "The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information or dash-cam footage and who has not yet contacted police is asked to 101 quoting 760 15/09/25." This appeal has been echoed across various news platforms, including Donegal Live and Belfast Live, as officers continue to piece together the circumstances that led to the fatal collision.
For the people of Downpatrick and the surrounding areas, the crash has served as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unpredictable dangers that can arise on even the most familiar roads. Tributes have poured in for both Ryan and Caoimhin, with friends, family, and community members sharing memories and expressing their sorrow over social media and at local gatherings.
While details about the precise cause of the crash remain under investigation, the facts as reported by BBC News, Belfast Live, and other local outlets are clear: on September 15, 2025, a silver VW Bora and a grey Toyota Avensis collided on Ballydugan Road. Ryan Cunningham, just 21, died in hospital the following day. Caoimhin Teggart, 28 and from Kilkeel, fought for his life for a week before passing away on the night of September 22. Two women in the Toyota Avensis were also injured and required hospital treatment. Police have urged anyone with information or dash-cam footage to come forward, referencing incident number 760 15/09/25.
In the aftermath, the community has shown resilience and solidarity. At Ryan Cunningham’s funeral, the outpouring of love and support was palpable. Canon Kearney’s words captured a sense of collective mourning, but also a determination to cherish the memories and positive impact Ryan had during his life. Caoimhin Teggart’s family, too, has been surrounded by condolences and support as they navigate their own grief.
Road safety remains a pressing concern in Northern Ireland, as in many parts of the world. Accidents like the one on Ballydugan Road are stark reminders of the importance of vigilance, adherence to traffic laws, and the unpredictability that can arise in an instant. While the police investigation continues, the hope is that answers will emerge to help prevent future tragedies and bring some measure of closure to those affected.
For now, County Down mourns the loss of two young men whose lives touched many. The memory of Ryan Cunningham and Caoimhin Teggart will remain with their families, friends, and the wider community for years to come. As investigations proceed and tributes continue to be paid, the enduring message is one of remembrance, gratitude, and a shared commitment to supporting one another through times of profound loss.
