It was meant to be one of the happiest nights of their young lives — the school prom, a night of laughter, friendship, and celebration.
But on a quiet country road in County Monaghan, Ireland, two inseparable best friends faced a heartbreaking fate. Instead of joy, their final moments were filled with fear, desperation, and a tragic loss that shattered their families forever.
Seventeen-year-old Kiea McCann and sixteen-year-old Dlava Mohamed were passengers in a car driven by family friend Anthony McGinn, 61, on their way to the school formal in July 2023. What should have been a night to remember turned into an unimaginable tragedy.
Witnesses and investigators revealed a terrifying scene: the car was speeding at nearly 94 mph — almost double the 50 mph speed limit.
Despite repeated pleas from Kiea, Dlava, and another passenger, Oisin Clerkin, begging McGinn to slow down, their fear was ignored. Clerkin later described the terror inside the vehicle as it raced recklessly through winding country lanes, with Kiea visibly shaken by the dangerous speed.
Then came the devastating moment — the car lost control, veered off the road, and collided violently with a tree. The impact was fatal. Both girls died instantly, heartbreakingly still holding hands, united in their final moments.
Dlava’s sister, Avin, was also in the car and suffered severe injuries. The trauma was so profound that Avin did not learn of her sister’s death for several months, grappling with memory loss and a difficult recovery. The weight of guilt has burdened her since — haunted by the fact she had invited Dlava to the prom that night.
Amárach a adhlacfar Kiea McCann agus Dlava Mohamed, an bheirt déagóirí a maraíodh i dtubaiste bóthair i Muineachán. pic.twitter.com/H5RpjfiTba
— Nuacht RTÉ (@NuachtRTE) August 2, 2023
In May 2024, McGinn was sentenced to seven years in prison after pleading guilty to dangerous driving causing the deaths of Kiea and Dlava. Outside the courtroom, Kiea’s mother, Teresa McCann, voiced the pain felt by all:
“Seven years — that’s the justice here. Two beautiful girls gone forever. There is no real justice for this. My child’s life is gone and never coming back.”
The judge described McGinn’s actions as “an extraordinary breach of trust,” especially given his close ties to the families. His decision to drive at “grossly excessive speed” was the direct cause of the fatal crash, despite the terrified warnings from his young passengers.
One of the most heartbreaking details shared in court was that Kiea’s father rushed to the scene and attempted CPR on both girls before emergency responders arrived — a moment no parent should ever endure.
Conclusion:
What was meant to be a magical night filled with friendship and hope instead became a nightmare that tore two families apart. The tragic deaths of Kiea McCann and Dlava Mohamed are a painful reminder of how one reckless decision can ripple through countless lives. Their story is a lasting plea — to listen, to slow down, and to cherish the precious gift of life.
May Kiea and Dlava rest in peace — forever together, just as they were in life.