Family fly to Spain to support Mullingar man who was sole survivor of horror crash

Ian McCullagh, Amy McCullagh, Michaela Newcombe and Mark McCullagh. Picture: Facebook

The family of the sole survivor of a horror holiday crash in Spain has flown to Malaga to be by his side in hospital.

Ian McCullagh, who is aged in his 30s, is in a critical condition in Carlos Haya Hospital.

His wife, Amy McCullagh, his brother, Mark McCullagh and Mark’s partner Michaela Newcombe were all killed when the rented Mercedes they were travelling in lost control, smashed through the A‑7 motorway’s crash barrier and plunged some 100ft down a ravine after 2.30am on Sunday morning.

Ian is believed to have been driving the vehicle.

The brothers and their partners left for Spain on a holiday together late last week.

Amy and Ian McCullagh married in Benalmadena, Malaga, Spain, in 2024. They have young children.

A minute’s silence was held for the couples at a Westmeath County Council meeting on Monday night.

A moving tribute was paid to Michaela by the beauty salon in Mullingar where she worked as a receptionist. She was described as the “the face and the heart of our salon".

“We hoped there had been a mistake. We clung to the hope that the terrible news wasn't true. But today, with broken hearts, we say goodbye to our beautiful Michaela,” the tribute by Havana Sun salon said.

“I only wish you knew how special you were to so many of us. Our salon will never be the same, and we won't even try to pretend it will be.

The McCullagh brothers' sister said the family has been helped hugely through a devastating time to bring their loved ones home by the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust.

Chloe Crichton appealed for anyone who wanted to do something in memory of her brother Mark McCullagh, her sister-in-law Amy McCullagh and Mark's partner Michaela Newcombe, to donate to the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust so the charity can "continue the incredible work they do for other families facing the heartbreak of bringing loved ones home."

"In the midst of losing my brother Mark, my sister-in-law Amy, and Michaela, our family has experienced unimaginable heartbreak.

"During this incredibly difficult time, the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust has been there for us every step of the way, providing support, guidance, and helping to bring our loved ones home to us. Their kindness, compassion, and generosity have meant more to us than words can ever express, and we will be forever grateful for everything they have done for our family," Ms Crichton wrote on social media.

"Thank you to everyone for your love, support, prayers, and kindness during this devastating time.

"Forever loved and never forgotten, Mark, Amy, and Michaela."

Donations can be made at Donations - Kevin Bell Trust The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust is a charity which aims to help bereaved families repatriate the bodies of loved ones who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland.

The trust was founded out of a family tragedy when, in June 2013, Kevin Bell died suddenly in New York.

Local councillor Michael Dollard said that the four young people are from Mullingar town and that their families are well-known and respected locally.

“This is very sad news. It has generated a lot of gloom in Mullingar.

“It’s a huge shock. This tragic accident happened while they were on holidays and their young lives were suddenly cut short.

“It shows how fragile life is.” 

The McCullagh boys are descended from boxing legend Maxie McCullagh, Mr Dollard said.

Michael ‘Maxie’ McCullagh competed for Ireland at the 1948 London Olympics in the men’s lightweight competition, reaching the quarter‑finals.

A year later, he made history when he became the first Irish boxer to win a European title outside Ireland, winning the European lightweight championship in Oslo.

A spokesperson for Andalucia’s regional emergency co-ordination centre confirmed the collision, which happened at around 2.38am on Sunday.

The crash saw one vehicle plunge around 30 metres down a ravine while travelling to Almeria near the Cerrado de Calderón exit.

Emergency services were deployed to the incident, and Civil Guard officers and firefighters helped free those trapped.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said that it is currently supporting those involved.