Tributes paid to 'one in a million' young woman killed in crash on way to work in Cork

Kate Wibbe, a UCC graduate and PepsiCo employee, from Co Wexford who died in a crash on her way to work in Cork on Tuesday. Picture: LinkedIn

Tributes have been paid to a young regulatory affairs assistant analyst from Wexford who died in a three-vehicle collision as she made her way her way to work in Cork on Tuesday morning.

Kate Wibbe, 23, from St Awaries, Carne, died at the scene of a collision involving a truck, a van and a car on the N25 at Barntown, Co Wexford, at 6.30am on Tuesday. She was driving her car to her job in PepsiCo Cork when the fatal collision occurred. Her body was taken to University Hospital Waterford for a postmortem examination.

Ms Wibbe was a valued member of the team at PepsiCo in Cork. She was promoted last month having worked for the Little Island-based branch of the company for over a year.

Colleagues have described her as a “one in a million” friend who was “wise beyond her years” and “sunshine to be around”. 

Ms Wibbe graduated from UCC last year with a bachelor of law degree. During her time at the college, she worked as a radio host at UCC 98.3FM and played for the UCC women’s soccer team. She also served as the public relations officer for the team.

Kate Wibbe was a 'cherished' member of the LGFA Junior Team at Bishopstown GAA in Cork. Picture: Bishopstown GAA

UCC women’s soccer team said it learned of the passing of Kate with “great sadness.” 

They described her as her as a ‘fantastic’ player and a deeply committed committee member. They offered their “deepest condolences” to her family, friends and team mates at this “sad time”. 

Ms Wibbe was also a member of the LGFA junior Team at Bishopstown GAA in Cork. In a statement, they said that she was a cherished member of the team.

“It with shock and a deep sadness that we have learned that Kate Wibbe, a member of our LGFA junior team has tragically lost her life in a road traffic accident while returning to Cork from Wexford on Tuesday.

"Kate joined our club this year and became part of our family, integrating seamlessly to the group, and represented Bishopstown GAA with pride. Our hearts go out to Kate's family, and we will mourn her loss. A young woman taken from us in the prime of her life. May Kate rest in peace.” 

Ms Wibbe will lie in repose at her family home in Carne from 1pm on Friday. Her loved ones and friends will also come together onsite on Saturday at 1pm for a celebration of her life with burial following in Our Lady’s Island cemetery.

She is survived by her parents Fiona and Christian and brother Daniel, grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins and her “many friends.”