Interpol join investigation into death of aid worker

Interpol has been called in to investigate the death of an Irish aid worker in Ethiopia.

Joyce Campbell died in a car crash in 2005. An inquest into her death was due to take place at Letterkenny Coroner’s Court yesterday.

However, coroner John Cannon was forced to adjourn the inquest.

Mr Cannon told the court there had been difficulties with securing information from Ethiopian police.

“They do not seem to be getting great help from the police in Ethiopia,” he said.

He revealed that gardaí have been in touch with police at Interpol who have taken over the case.

Ms Campbell, from Meenmore, Dungloe, Co Donegal, had just turned 25 when she died while working for the Vincentian May Missioners.

She was only in Ethiopia for three weeks as part of a four-month stay when the tragedy happened.

Two other Irishmen in the car were also injured in the crash in Welyta, about nine hours north of the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa on Aug 8, 2005.

Ms Campbell, a relation of the MEP Pat The Cope Gallagher, was a graduate of development, health, and disaster management, and also had a master’s in humanitarian assistance.

Mr Cannon adjourned the inquest until Sept 28.