Mother pays emotional tribute at funeral for daughter killed in road collision

The mother of a teenage girl killed in a road collision in Bangor paid an emotional tribute to her “beautiful princess” during her funeral.

Mourners at Tuesday’s service for 16-year-old Jaidyn Rice were encouraged to wear the schoolgirl’s favourite colour pink as they gathered at St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church in Bangor, Co Down.

The young Army cadet, who was a year 12 student at Priory College, died after being struck by a car on the West Circular Road in Bangor on the night of Tuesday July 8.

Her mother Elaine delivered the first of a series of tributes from family and friends during the funeral service.

She said half of her heart would now always be carried by her daughter.

“Please hold tight to it, princess, and know that I’m with you always,” she said.

“Please never let go and keep it safe for me when we are together again.

“I just want you to know that I’m so, so, so proud of you forever, and I love you with all of my heart forever and ever, to the moon, stars and back again.

“It has been an absolute pleasure to be your mummy. I don’t want to say goodbye to you, Jaidyn. I can’t, so I’m just going to say I will see you soon, baby.

“Sleep tight, my beautiful princess. I hope and pray you’re at peace. You’re the bravest soldier that ever lived and heaven has gained the most beautiful, precious angel ever.

“I hope everyone is looking after you up there. I can’t wait to be with you again. Good night. I love you. I’ll see you soon.”

Jaidyn’s younger brother Kenley also paid tribute, as did her grandmother Judith Rice.

The schoolgirl’s boyfriend, her best friend, her Army Cadet leader and her school principal were among others to address the service.

Reverend Ian McKee, who conducted the funeral, said Jaidyn was “loved deeply and adored absolutely”.

“Her untimely death has devastated the family circle and shocked the whole community right to the core,” he said.

“Jaidyn was a beautiful, very special young lady. She loved, apparently, the colour pink, hence her pink bible and the pink coffin.

“I’m told if she could have had her way, she would have dyed her pet hamster pink, too.

“Her death has created a void in the lives of many and brought deep sorrow and overwhelming numbness for family and friends alike.”

After the service, Jaidyn’s pink coffin was brought to Clandeboye Cemetery for burial.