Three people were hospitalised after the two vehicle collision
The man who died in a car crash in Co Down on Monday afternoon has been named locally as Ryan Cunningham.
Emergency services attended the scene of a two-vehicle crash on the Ballydugan Road in Downpatrick at around 2pm on Monday, September 15. In an update issued on September 16, police confirmed a man in his 20s, the driver of a VW Bora, was pronounced dead at the scene.
The passenger of the same vehicle, a man also aged in his 20s, was seriously injured and remains in hospital at this time. Police said two women who were travelling in the Toyota Avensis also required hospital treatment.
READ MORE: Downpatrick crash claims life of man in his 20s as three others hospitalisedREAD MORE: Downpatrick crash sees three people taken to hospital
Tributes have been paid to Ryan on social media, with many describing the Kilkeel man as a “gentleman.” One person said: “Oh, how we all are going to miss you so much. My heart is broke.
“You were such a gentleman and loved by everyone. You did not deserve this. Rest easy up there.
“We had so so many great memories now, it’s time to cherish them. This doesn’t feel real. Goodnight Ryan.”
Another person added: “We were literally talking yesterday about getting on Xbox together and going to the car meet now this …I still can’t get over it still doesn’t feel real you were a gentleman Ryan. Fly high up there and hope you party hard you will be missed.”
A further tribute online said: “Can’t believe you’re gone, Ryan. You were a true friend and one of the good ones. Thank you for all the laughs and good times – they’ll never be forgotten. Rest easy, mate.”
Inspector Cherith Adair from the Police Service’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “A report was received at approximately 2pm on Monday, 15th September of a collision involving a silver VW Bora and grey Toyota Avensis on the Ballydugan Road.
“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from other emergency services. Sadly, the driver of the VW Bora, a man aged in his 20s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“The passenger of the same vehicle, a man also aged in his 20s, was seriously injured, and remains in hospital at this time. Two women who were travelling in the Toyota Avensis also required hospital treatment.
“The road which was closed for a time in order to facilitate emergency services, has now fully reopened. An investigation to establish the circumstances of what happened is ongoing.
“The Collision Investigation Unit is appealing to anyone who may have any information which could assist, or was travelling in the area at the time and captured any dash-cam or mobile phone footage, to get in touch on 101, quoting reference number 760 15/09/25.”
Alternatively, you can submit a report online using our non-emergency reporting form via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/
A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service (NIFRS) spokesperson said: “The thoughts and sympathies of Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service are with the loved ones of a man who died following a 2-vehicle road traffic collision on Ballydugan Road, Downpatrick.
“Two appliances from Downpatrick Fire Station were called to the incident at 2.22pm yesterday afternoon (Monday 15 September 2025).
“Firefighters used specialist equipment to rescue 2 casualties from a vehicle and transferred them to the care of NIAS. Another casualty was transported to hospital via ambulance. Tragically, a man, aged in his 20s, died at the scene. Firefighters left the scene at 3.33pm.”
Newry Mourne and Down Councillor Alan Lewis said he was “saddened” to learn of the tragic death, and has expressed his condolences to the family.
He said: “I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic death following a road traffic collision on the Ballydugan Road. My heartfelt sympathies and condolences go to the family and loved ones of the person who has lost their life.
“The sudden loss of life on our roads is always a profound shock, leaving a lasting impact on families and on the wider community. In times of such sorrow, I know that the warmth, comfort, and support of our community will be a source of strength to those who are grieving.
“I want to pay tribute to the emergency services for their quick and professional response at the scene. Their tireless work in the most difficult of circumstances deserves our recognition and gratitude. I also want to commend local residents who live nearby and who offered immediate assistance and support, their actions embody the very best of community spirit. “My thoughts and prayers remain with all those affected by this tragic incident.”
Sinn Féin MLA Cathy Mason has expressed her condolences to the family of a man who was killed in a road traffic collision in Downpatrick.
The South Down MLA said: “It is absolutely heart-breaking news to learn of the tragic death of a 20-year-old man following a road traffic collision in Downpatrick.
“My immediate thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this very sad and difficult time.
“I want to wish a full recovery to the others who remain in hospital and those who required hospital treatment. I want to pay tribute to the emergency services for all of their efforts at the scene.”
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