Two teenagers tragically lost their lives in a fatal car crash while they were on their way to attend their school prom, an event that is usually filled with excitement and joyful anticipation. The heartbreaking accident occurred because the driver, a family friend, was driving recklessly and repeatedly ignored the urgent requests from the passengers to slow down. The victims were Kiea McCann, aged 17, and Dlava Mohamed, aged 16. They were riding in a vehicle driven by Anthony McGinn, a 61-year-old man known to the families as a trusted family friend.
The crash took place in County Monaghan, Ireland, during July 2023, a tragic event that would leave a permanent scar on the community and the families involved. McGinn, who was behind the wheel of the car that evening, was driving at an excessively high speed when he ultimately lost control of the vehicle. The car veered off the road and collided violently with a tree. The impact of the crash was so severe that both Kiea and Dlava died instantly at the scene, unable to be saved despite the efforts of emergency responders.
the two teenage girls had been on their way to their school’s formal event, commonly referred to as the prom. This was supposed to be a night full of celebration, happiness, and memories to last a lifetime. Instead, what was meant to be a joyful milestone became a tragic and unforgettable moment of loss. Before the accident occurred, both Kiea and Dlava, along with a friend named Oisin Clerkin who was sitting in the front passenger seat, repeatedly asked the driver, McGinn, to slow down. They were clearly frightened by the speed at which the car was being driven on the narrow country roads. Despite these repeated warnings and pleas for safety, McGinn disregarded their concerns and continued to drive at dangerously high speeds.
During the subsequent court trial, Oisin Clerkin described how terrified he was during the ride, explaining that the vehicle was moving so fast that it felt out of control. He also noted that Kiea appeared visibly scared, highlighting the intense fear that gripped everyone in the car that night. The vehicle was reportedly traveling at around 94 miles per hour, nearly double the speed limit of 50 miles per hour on the road where the crash occurred. This grossly excessive speed was a key factor that contributed to McGinn losing control of the car and ultimately causing the fatal accident.
The aftermath of the crash was deeply tragic. Reports stated that both Kiea and Dlava died side by side at the scene of the accident, holding hands in their final moments—a heartbreaking detail that underscores the close bond between the two friends. Dlava’s sister, Avin Mohamed, was also a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash. She sustained serious injuries and was so badly hurt that she did not learn about her sister Dlava’s death until several months later. The trauma of the accident has left Avin with significant memory loss related to the event, and she struggles to recall many details from that day. Additionally, she has wrestled with feelings of guilt because she was the one who invited Dlava to the prom, making the emotional burden even heavier for her.
The legal consequences for McGinn followed in May 2024, when he was sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting to dangerous driving causing the deaths of the two teenagers. The sentencing brought some measure of justice, but it could never undo the irreversible loss suffered by the families. In the aftermath of the sentencing, Kiea’s mother, Teresa McCann, spoke out with deep sorrow and frustration. She said, “Seven years, that’s the justice here. Two beautiful girls. This is what we got today. There is no justice for this. My child’s life is gone and never coming back.” Her words captured the profound grief felt by all who loved Kiea and Dlava.
The judge presiding over the case emphasized the serious breach of trust committed by McGinn, who was considered a close family friend. The judge noted that McGinn had shown a complete disregard for the safety of those in his car by choosing to drive at a grossly excessive speed, despite the repeated warnings from the teenagers. During the court proceedings, it was also revealed that Kiea’s father arrived at the crash site shortly after the accident and attempted to save both girls by performing CPR before emergency medical personnel could take over. His efforts, though heroic, were ultimately unable to save the lives of his daughter and her friend.
The tragic deaths of Kiea McCann and Dlava Mohamed serve as a painful reminder of how quickly a joyful occasion can turn into a nightmare due to reckless behavior behind the wheel. The families, friends, and entire community continue to mourn the loss of two vibrant young lives, both taken far too soon. Their memories live on in the hearts of those who loved them.
Rest in peace, Kiea McCann and Dlava Mohamed. Your lives were precious, and your loss will never be forgotten.
