The family of Rebecca Black has spoken of their enduring grief and the pursuit of justice after three men were convicted of manslaughter in connection with the 2019 Cookstown tragedy that claimed three young lives.
A Night of Celebration Turns to Tragedy
On what should have been a night of St Patrick's Day festivities in March 2019, emergency services were called to the Greenvale Hotel in Cookstown, County Tyrone, following reports of teenagers in medical distress.
The incident resulted in the deaths of three young people: 17-year-old Rebecca Black from Dungannon, 16-year-old Lauren Bullock from Donaghmore, and 17-year-old Connor Currie from Coalisland.
Justice Served After Four-Year Wait
At Dungannon Crown Court, three men were found guilty of manslaughter following a trial that revealed disturbing details about the events of that fateful evening.
The court heard how the teenagers died outside the hotel during a suspected crush, with the convicted men found to have contributed to the dangerous conditions that led to the tragedy.
Family's Heartbreaking Statement
In an emotional statement released after the verdict, Rebecca Black's family described their daughter as "a beautiful soul" whose life was cut tragically short.
"No verdict can ever bring our Rebecca back, but we hope this brings some measure of accountability for the events that night," the family stated. "We miss her every single day and the hole she left in our lives can never be filled."
Community Still Healing
The Cookstown tragedy sent shockwaves through communities across Northern Ireland, with the tight-knit towns of Dungannon, Donaghmore, and Coalisland particularly affected by the loss of three promising young lives.
Local councillors have spoken of the ongoing healing process and the importance of supporting the families as they continue to navigate their grief.
The sentencing hearing for the three convicted men is scheduled for next month, where victim impact statements from all three families are expected to be presented to the court.
