Ballymena community invited to unite at vigil following triple-death tragedy

A community vigil will take place in Ballymena on Wednesday evening as residents come together to remember the three members of the same family who died in the town this week.

The gathering, organised by Youth Ambassadors Northern Ireland, will begin at 6.30pm on Wednesday, 15 July, outside The Braid Arts Centre (Town Hall) in the heart of Ballymena.

Police are continuing to investigate the deaths of a 41-year-old man, a 39-year-old woman and an eight-year-old girl, whose bodies were discovered at a house in the Old Cullybackey Road area on Monday morning, 13 July.

Community invited to stand together

Organisers say the vigil is intended to provide a space for people to remember the lives lost, support those affected and stand together as a community during an exceptionally difficult time.

In a statement, Youth Ambassadors Northern Ireland said the event would be held “in love, in memory and in solidarity” following the tragedy.

The group said its thoughts are with the victims’ family, friends, neighbours and the local Polish community.

A moment of reflection

Everyone is welcome to attend the vigil, with organisers encouraging those attending to bring a candle if they wish. A limited number of candles will also be available at the event.

People are also invited to wear purple as a symbol of remembrance and solidarity.

The organisers say the evening will be a quiet opportunity for reflection, support and unity, adding:

“Together we remember. Together we support. Together we stand.”

Investigation continues

The vigil comes as police continue their investigation into the deaths.

Detectives have said their current working hypothesis is that the incident was a double murder followed by a sudden death, while stressing that post-mortem examinations are awaited and enquiries remain ongoing.

Police have also said there is no ongoing risk to the public.