The quiet of Clones, Co. Monaghan, Ireland, on the night of July 31, 2023, was shattered by tragedy.
Kiea McCann, 17, and her best friend Dlava Mohammed, 16, were on their way to prom, laughter and anticipation filling the air, unaware that the evening would end in heartbreak. Their joy, captured in photographs of Kiea’s striking red dress and Dlava’s soft blue gown, would become lasting memories of lives cut short.
The girls were among five passengers in a car driven by 61-year-old family friend Anthony McGinn. Reports indicate that McGinn was driving at nearly twice the 50 mph speed limit, despite repeated pleas from the teenagers—and from Kiea’s prom date, Oisin Clerkin—to slow down.
The car crash claimed the lives of Kiea and Dlava, leaving serious injuries to Dlava’s sister, Avin Mohammed. McGinn later admitted to dangerous driving causing death and was given a 15-year driving ban. The judge highlighted his reckless disregard for the safety of the teenagers.
In the immediate aftermath, Kiea’s father, Frankie McCann, attempted CPR at the scene, but despite his desperate efforts, both girls could not be saved. Their mother, Teresa, expressed the heartbreak of trusting a family friend with her child’s safety: “Kiea and her best friend were robbed of their lives. They lay side by side, holding hands, while we tried to be there with them.”
Family, friends, and the wider community continue to mourn the loss of two inseparable teenagers whose lives were filled with promise. Their photos, smiles, and shared joy in those final hours serve as a poignant reminder of the suddenness with which life can change.
Conclusion
The deaths of Kiea McCann and Dlava Mohammed are a tragic testament to life’s fragility and the consequences of reckless actions. Their families’ grief underscores the importance of valuing safety, responsibility, and every fleeting moment with loved ones. Remembering the girls’ laughter, courage, and unbreakable bond keeps their memory alive, a call to cherish life and protect those we care about.