MOURNERS at the funeral of Natasha Carruthers on Wednesday heard how the death of the mother of one in a crash last weekend left her heartbroken family “totally stunned.”
The 23 year old from Letterbreen was killed when the light blue Vauxhall Corsa in which she was a passenger collided with a tree on the Newbridge Road outside Derrylin.
Two other people were also seriously injured in the crash. 
The driver, who is said to be in a “stable” condition, was transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital where he may remain for up to three weeks. 
It’s understood the second passenger spent a number of the days at Altnagelvin Hospital and was later released with minor injuries.
It has also emerged that at about 10.25pm last Tuesday night a second crash occurred close to the scene near Derrylin in which a female driver was taken to hospital with minor injuries. 
The Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that as part of its normal procedure officers searched fields in the area following the crash in case there had been a fourth person in the vehicle. 
Flowers have been left at the site of the fatal crash and hundreds of mourners turned out to pay their respects at Miss Carruthers’ funeral at Rossorry Parish Church in Enniskillen.
Canon Ian Ellis said the grief for Miss Carruthers’ father Mervyn, mother Jill, sister Julie, partner Matthew and their one year old daughter Lily Rose is “all the more severe” following the tragic circumstances.
“Natasha’s family today are still totally stunned by the terrible news that she lost her life in that tragic traffic accident.
“They received that news from the PSNI in the early hours of Sunday morning, and are still in great shock and trying to come to terms with this terrible reality,” said Canon Ellis.
He told mourners it was important to be thankful for all that Miss Carruthers meant to her family and for the “love and friendship she shared” with many of those attending the service.
“Although her life was cut short, it was full of much happiness and there are many reasons for thanksgiving,” he said. 
When she became a mum herself it brought her “much joy”, said Canon Ellis.
“She was a great mum to little Lily Rose born just over one year ago. She was a loving and caring mother to her beautiful baby girl.”
Natasha Hazel Carruthers was born on January 11, 1994 at the Erne Hospital in Enniskillen. As well as being a “dear daughter” she was also a “much loved” aunt to Jamie and Ollie and granddaughter to Hazel and Shirley. 
She attended Jones Memorial Primary School followed by Devenish High School, later finding a job which she really enjoyed, working at Bright Eyes animal shelter and putting to good use her love of animals. 
In her teenage years “she liked to play the odd prank”, said Canon Ellis.
“On one occasion she decided to take her dad’s car for a wee spin, however let’s say it did not return in the way her dad had last seen it. It’s a little cameo of her approach to life.

Impartial Reporter:

A photograph of Natasha Carruthers, released by her family, who died in a road crash.

“Tasha was an outgoing fun loving girl who lived life to the full,” he said. 
Canon Ellis said the family are “very aware that two other young people were injured in the accident which took Natasha’s life.”
“This is not the time to dwell upon the accident itself; however we hold these two other young people in our thoughts and prayers that they may by God’s grace recover from their injuries and be restored to their families,” he told the funeral, carried out by W.T. Morrison Funeral Directors. 
With many of Miss Carruthers’ friends in attendance, Canon Ellis said he wanted to send out a simple message to all young people listening.
“Friends are a very precious gift, you must treasure them. It is great to be able to live life fully and to enjoy time with friends. But remember we treasure our friends by taking care of them. 
“Whatever we do together, where ever we go together. Whenever you and your friends are out for an evening you have a responsibility to care for each other and make sure everyone is safe.
“Life is fragile and can be lost in an instant,” said Canon Ellis.
“I urge you to look out for each other and treat your friends as a precious gift. I simple say to all young people, as you enjoy time together and travel together especially at night, take responsibility for each other and take care of one another in everything you do.”
He spoke of the importance in developing relationships that matter, friendships that are true and lasting, values that count, and faithfulness “in all we do.”
“Whether you are young or old this timeless message is the same; we live life best when we consider the needs of others and care for them.
“Don’t leave without a prayer for this family circle, in their time of heartbreak and grief and let us resolve to learn to treasure our friends as a gift from God, and to love them deeply and caringly,” he concluded.
Miss Carruthers was buried in the adjoining graveyard.