Tributes pour in for Wexford woman who died in fatal accident in the Dominican Republic – ‘She was the heartbeat of two families’

Claire Cullen of Riverchapel in Gorey, Co Wexford, is understood to have been in the Dominican Republic attending a wedding when she was involved in a fatal accident involving a car.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that they will not comment on individual cases, but confirmed they are providing assistance.

“The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade is aware of this case and is providing consular assistance. The Department does not comment on the details of individual cases,” they stated.

An accomplished hairdresser with her own at home salon called Eden Hair Design, Claire will be sadly missed by her husband Ronan, her three children and her extended family and friends.

Paying tribute to his wife on Facebook, Ronan explained that he would be stepping back from his successful flooring business to spend time with his family during this challenging time.

“My beautiful wife Claire was tragically killed in an accident. We’re all devastated and trying to come to terms with it. She was my everything and I adored everything about her,” he said.

He added that they were very grateful for all the kind words and messages they have received in recent days.

Her brother Paul O’Brien also described how the whole community was affected by her loss.

“She was the heartbeat of two families. She protected me from so much harm when I was young, she was just everything to do many people. She wasn’t just loved, she was needed. The whole community will be lost without her. Claire, I’ll miss you forever, we all will,” he wrote.

The late Claire Cullen.

Today’s News in 90 Seconds – Tuesday, November 11

Another local in the area who had worked with her for a number of years said that the community is “devastated” by the news.

“It is just devastating and we are all affected by it and we are sending all our prayers to her family. She was a fantastic hairdresser and a very social person. She was the life of the party, just a gorgeous and kind person,” he said.

in response to Ronan’s post about Claire’s death one mourner wrote: ‘She was so beautiful and always went above and beyond for everyone. She will be forever marked on so many hearts.”

Another tribute read: “Claire did my hair for years and she absolutely adored you and her boys. A gorgeous person taken way too soon. Thinking of you all at this very difficult time.”

A further tribute read: “I have no words for your Ronan, only she was beautiful inside and out. You could tell how much she adored you and her boys. Heartbroken for you all.”

In a statement from the office of Brian Brennan TD, he said that he had been in contact with the family and was making sure assistance was organised.

“I want to take this opportunity to send our condolences to Claire’s family. We have been in touch directly with her family and consular assistance is currently being provided. I am in touch on a daily basis with the Department of Foreign Affairs.”

“There is a huge sadness among our community in the north Wexford area. This is a shocking tragedy and prayers are now with Claire’s family,” he added.