Tragic 8-Year-Old Killed On Farm Was The Only Survivor Of Quads

An eight-year-old girl who was tragically killed on her family's farm in Co. Mayo on Tuesday evening was the only surviving sibling of quadruplets. Tributes have poured in for eight-year-old Jessica Needham, described as a "little angel" by those closest to her. The child is understood to have died in an accident involving a tractor on farmland at Lismolin, Islandeady at approximately 5pm. She was rushed to Mayo University Hospital in Castlebar but lost her fight for life and was pronounced dead at 5.40pm. Speaking to The Herald, parish priest Fr Pat Donnellan, who baptised Jessica and officiated at the wedding of her parents, Pat and Michelle, said the family, including Jessica's little sister, Grace, and the community are in mourning.

“She was full of fun and full of love … our community is numbed and devastated at the lose of a beautiful little girl,” Fr Donnellan said. “In her short time she brought massive joy to so many people. She was the dream child really.

“Her granny (Margaret) was telling me that she was a great little girl to give hope. She was full of affection and love, and would always give her granny a hug everyday and tell her how much she loved her. “Needless to say Jessica’s father, mother and granny, who lives next door, are all in a deep sense of shock and sadness.”

Jessica will be laid to rest on Friday to St Patrick’s Church, Islandeady, for funeral Mass at 11am, with burial afterwards in Islandeady Cemetery. Image: Irish Independent