'ONE IN A MILLION'
‘I don’t think she realised how much of an impact her advice had on me’ – Tributes paid as Wexford crash victim named
Kate Wibbe tragically passed away in a crash involving a truck, a van and a car
TRIBUTES are being paid to the young woman who died following a three-vehicle collision in Wexford this week as she is named locally.
Kate Wibbe tragically passed away in a crash, involving a truck, a van and a car, occurred on the N25 at Barntown in Wexford, at approximately 6.30am on Tuesday morning.
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Kate, 23, had left her family's home just outside Our Lady's Island on Tuesday morning to get to work in Cork.
A graduate of University College Cork, a month ago Kate had taken up a role with PepsiCo in Cork, working as a Rugulatory Affairs Analyst there.
While two other people, including the driver of the van who was aged in his 40s were taken to hospital, Kate was tragically declared dead at the scene.
Local fire crews worked hard to extricate her from the car and the remains were taken to University Hospital Waterford for post mortem examination.
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Tributes have been pouring in for the 23-year-old following the tragedy.
Her death notice reads: "Wibbe, Kate (St. Awaries, Carne, Co. Wexford), August 13, 2024, sadly missed by her heartbroken parents Fiona, Christian and brother Daniel, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and many friends."
She will be reposing at her home on Friday, August 16 at 1pm before a celebration of life on Saturday, August 17 at 1pm in her home in Carne.
There will be a burial to follow in Our Lady’s Island Cemetery.
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One friend wrote: "My deepest sympathies to Kate’s family. I was so saddened to hear of Kate’s death. Kate’s kindness and sense of fun shone through in any conversations I had with her.
"I particularly remember her wisdom and great advice when I asked her about her career path after law. Her words to me were ringing in my head through all of my final year. I don’t think she realised how much of an impact her advice had on me.
"She had such a future in front of her, taken far too soon. May she rest in peace."
Another said: "Kate was 1 in a million, she was a funny, caring and overall incredible person. She never failed to lighten the lives of those around her and bring a smile to us all. She will be deeply missed. Sending my deepest condolences to her family."
Locally in Our Lady's Island, parish priest Fr. Jim Cogley said: "They are just in an utter state of shock.
"I don't know the family personally, but it's such a devastating blow for them. I called down to the house for a few minutes to offer my condolences and any assistance."
With pilgrimage season at Our Lady's Island beginning today no doubt prayers will be offered for the Wibbe family after such a tragic loss.
"You hear of tragedies like this every day of the week," Fr. Cogley said. "But I suppose when it happens in your own community that it really hits home.'
Having only graduated from UCC last year with a degree in law, Kate played an active role in the college community.
She was a member of the law society and played for the UCC women's soccer team as well as the Bishopstown Ladies football team in Cork.
UCC Women's soccer described Kate as "a fantastic player with our development squad and a valued committee member from 2020 to 2023".
"We offer our deepest sympathies to Kate's family, friends and teammates at this sad time. May she rest in peace."
One colleague from PepsiCo noted that "Kate was a remarkable person and a truly wonderful friend and colleague. Her presence was like a ray of sunshine, always spreading joy and warmth to those around her."