'Fun-Loving' Girl, 11, Dies After She Steps off School Bus and Is Hit by Car: Reports

An 11-year-old girl has reportedly died after she stepped off a school bus and into the path of a car.

On March 5, paramedics treated Caitlin-Rose McMullan for her injuries after she was hit by a vehicle in the small town of Castledawson, Northern Ireland, reported the Belfast Telegraph.

The 6th-grade student was a student at St. Pius X College in nearby Magherafelt and died after she was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital for Sick Children in Belfast, the outlet added.

“It was with profound sadness that we were informed this morning about the loss of one of our pupils,” Principal Peter Friel said in a statement on the school’s Facebook page.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Caitlin-Rose’s mother and father, her brother, Shea, who is also a pupil at St. Pius X College, and the wider family circle during this incredibly difficult time."

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“Caitlin-Rose was a very popular pupil who was always smiling,” the statement continued. “Her Form Teachers described her as ‘a joy to teach' due to her kind and fun-loving nature."

“She was an outgoing, bubbly and caring child, who will be greatly missed by fellow pupils and staff alike,” he added.

The tribute praised Caitlin Rose’s “outstanding classwork” and eagerness to approach “every assignment with interest and enthusiasm.”

“Caitlin Rose’s friends and classmates are heartbroken by her untimely passing, and they are receiving support from our staff and relevant professional services,” the statement continued.

“We acknowledge, and are very grateful for, the support both staff and students have received from the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team at this very challenging time."

"May Caitlin-Rose’s gentle soul rest in Heavenly Peace,” he concluded.

Very Rev John Gates, the parish priest in Magherafelt, described the community as “distraught,” following the incident, according to the Belfast Telegraph.

“I haven’t been speaking to the family yet, but the community has once again been left devastated and distraught by a terrible family tragedy,” he said per the outlet. “The thoughts and prayers of everyone in this community are with the family.”

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Education Minister Paul Givan offered his support amid the ongoing investigation into the incident in a statement shared on Facebook.

“I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news that a 12-year-old pupil from St Pius X College, Magherafelt has sadly died following a collision outside Castledawson yesterday,” Mr Givan wrote.

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“As a parent, when we set our children off to school in the morning, none of us ever expect to receive such devastating news,” he continued. “My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of this young girl and the wider school community following this tragic incident."

“I have spoken to the Principal at St Pius X College and assured him of my support,” he added. “The Education Authority’s Critical Incident Team is in contact with the school and will provide support to the pupils and staff.”

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) didn't immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

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