The mother and daughter who died in a road collision in Co Donegal have been named locally as six-year-old Ella McLaughlin and her mother Natalie McLaughlin, who was in her 20s.
Ella died in the collision involving a car and a van, which occurred on the R240 at Glentogher, Carndonagh, shortly after 6.30pm on Wednesday.
Her mother was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital following the crash and later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, where she died yesterday evening.
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Natalie's partner, who is in his 30s, and their two-year-old daughter are being treated in hospitals in Derry and Belfast for non-life-threatening injuries.
Ella's school, St Patrick's Girl’s school in Carndonagh, paid tribute to her this afternoon, describing her as a "vibrant, much-loved, and joyful" pupil.
"Ella had a wonderful sense of humour and a sparkle that lifted every room she walked into"
"This is an unimaginable tragedy for their family, for our school, and for the entire community," they said.
"We are heartbroken, and our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Ella and Natalie’s family - including Ella’s baby sister, Natalie’s partner, parents and siblings - and their many friends.
"Ella was a joyful and much-loved pupil in our school. Ella will be remembered not only for her kindness, energy, and the happiness she brought to her classmates and teachers, but also for being a real mischievous character who full of life and fun.
"Ella had a wonderful sense of humour and a sparkle that lifted every room she walked into. Bringing great joy to those around her, Ella made a lasting impression on all of us. Ella will be deeply missed."
The doors of the school opened this evening to parents, pupils and staff, past and present, offering support, advice, and a space to come together to remember Ella and Natalie McLaughlin.
A local councillor said the community is shocked and saddened by the deaths of Ella and her mother.
Inishowen Municipal District Council Cathaoirleach Martin McDermott said: "The loss of a young mother and a young daughter, six years of age, I don't think you can put that into words.
"Natalie worked in the local doctor's surgery in Carndonagh and was well known by people coming in and out to the surgery daily. The little girl went to school in Carndonagh.
"We have to just get behind the family now and do whatever we can over the next short period of time to try and to help them, to be there for them and to do whatever we can to make sure that they're looked after over the next, particularly the next few days, which will be very difficult."
Speaking on RTÉ's Morning Ireland, the Fianna Fáil councillor said such incidents happen "too often here in Inishowen", adding "we just can't get our heads around why these type of accidents keep happening".
The road where the collision took place, he said, is "a critical road" and the "main artery into north Inishowen coming from Letterkenny or coming from Derry".
"There's quite a lot of traffic on that road and quite a lot of people travel from work and everything through that road," he said, adding "it's dangerous enough like every other road".
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Carndonagh Parish Priest Fr Con McLaughlin said yesterday that "words were not adequate" to describe the situation.
"I don't know what to say at this stage, other than to say a prayer that somehow or other in time or in turn, they [the family] will be able to cope with this awful tragedy."
The R240 is one of the main thoroughfares connecting north Inishowen and Co Donegal.
It reopened yesterday evening following a technical examination of the scene.
It is understood the driver of the van, a man aged in his late teens, did not sustain serious injuries.
Gardaí are continuing to appeal for any witnesses, particularly any road users who may have camera footage to contact Buncrana Garda Station, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any garda station.
