Published Thursday, 17 December 2009
John Pirie, 31, from Killyleagh, was travelling in a Mitsubishi with another man and a woman, who have not yet been named at the request of their respective families, when their car collided with a BMW on the Killinchy Road shortly after 12am on Thursday.
Police have also named the woman who died in the crash. She was 34 year old Pauline McCaul from Downpatrick. A third man who died hasn't been named at the request of his family.
One family friend said John, his girlfriend and their friend had been on their way to Comber to buy some food at a Chinese restaurant.
John's father told UTV of his shock and disbelief after the tragedy.
"Like any other father, I loved him with all my heart - always will", Mr Pirie told UTV.
"It's hard to believe it. I still can't believe it. It's hard to think it's over.
"You always think it's never going to happen to you, but you never know the minute... it's hard."
According to detectives, the driver of the BMW car walked away from the crash.
Acting Area commander for Ards, James Ellson, said it had been a "distressing and devastating scene" for the officers who quickly arrived at the scene.
He confirmed the silver Mitsubishi was ripped in two and parts of car were flung 30ft apart after the collision.
Blankets were draped over the rear part of the car to mask evidence of the carnage.
"It's a scene of devastation", he said.
"The Mitsubishi had a significant portion of it shield off and (was) lying on the field."
Speaking to UTV at the scene of the crash, local DUP MLA Iris Robinson said she had never been"on a site like this after a fatality which conveys such a waste of precious life."
Local MLA Jim Shannon extended his sympathies to the victims' families.
"It's one of those very, very tragic occasions that everyone hopes won't come to their door," he said.
"My thoughts and everyone's thoughts at this time are with the families - especially in the run up to Christmas.
"Every death on the road is sad."
Alliance MLA Kieran McCarthy said the community was stunned.
"Three more families will be without treasured loved ones this Christmas. This is heartbreaking and I want to extend my deepest sympathies to them."
It was the third crash on the road in the last month, the latest close to the village of Lisbane.
There have been 112 road deaths so far this year compared to 104 for the same date last year.
