Family switched off life support after teen suffered catastrophic injuries in crash

Sophie Caulfield, 14, who died after a car crash in Wexford on July 8.

The family of a 14-year-old girl injured in a road crash in Wexford made the heartbreaking decision to withdraw life support after she suffered catastrophic injuries.

Sophie Caulfield died in hospital on Friday, nine days after a single-vehicle collision at Sheastown, near Wellington Bridge, at about 6.20am on July 8.

The teenager was found seriously injured in the back seat of the crashed car which was discovered by a passerby and was rushed to Wexford General Hospital before being transferred to Temple Street Children’s Hospital in Dublin, where doctors fought to save her.

However, her injuries proved too severe and her family made the decision to withdraw her life support.

Sophie was one of three teenage passengers travelling in the car when it crashed into a ditch. A family friend said she was badly injured by the impact of the crash and the weight of another passenger alongside her in the back seat.

The three teenage passengers, including one male and two females, were taken to hospital for treatment.

The male driver of the car, which was allegedly stolen, fled the scene following the crash but was later arrested and charged in connection with the incident at Carlow District Court on July 11.

It is understood four occupants of the car had been speaking online earlier and arranged to meet up.

Tributes have poured in for Sophie, who was remembered as a “beautiful young girl” who was “always smiling”. Her death notice said Sophie “lit up so many lives”.

Her family has requested that mourners wear bright and colourful clothing at her funeral to celebrate her life. Funeral arrangements are due to be announced.

Sophie was the beloved daughter of Derek and Paula, sister of Cian and Mikayla, and cherished granddaughter of Angela and the late Jimmy Caulfield and Ned and the late Nancy O’Connor, according to her death notice, which added that she is deeply mourned by her extended family and a large circle of friends.

The family has requested donations to Temple Street Children’s Hospital, where Sophie was treated, in lieu of flowers.

One mourner wrote: “Such a beautiful girl who had her entire life ahead of her, so cruelly taken at such a young age.” Another said: “Sophie’s happy smile is what we all remember from her time in Bunscoil Rís.” 

A further tribute read: “Sophie was such a lovely young girl, always smiling and always saying hello whenever I saw her. She will be sadly missed.” 

Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision in Wexford to come forward.

Road users who may have camera footage, including dashcam, and were travelling in the area are asked to make this footage available to investigating gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wexford Garda Station on 053 916 5200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.