Man killed in freak accident 'saving his daughter' was son of loyalist murder victim

By Q Radio News

The man who died in a freak accident in south Down yesterday was the son of a loyalist paramilitary murder victim.

39-year-old Loughlin Maginn, from Warrenpoint, became trapped underneath a vehicle at a car park in Rathfriland.

Local people say his young daughter was in the car as it rolled down a hill and the man died trying to stop the vehicle.

Mr. Maginn's father, Loughlin senior died in a loyalist shooting in Rathfriland in 1989.

Police have said enquiries into the incident are ongoing and officers are asking anyone that witnessed the incident or who may have captured dash-cam footage to contact them in Lurgan or the Collision Investigation Unit at Sprucefield on 101 quoting reference number 763 01/07/20.

Sinn Féin MP Chris Hazzard expressed his condolences following the death of a man in Rathfriland.

The South Down MP said: "The local community has been shocked and saddened to hear of the death of 39 year-old Loughlin Maginn in Downpatrick Street in Rathfriland.

“My heart goes out to all the family at this very sad time. I was heartbroken for them all today when I heard this tragic news. 

“The PSNI have appealed to any drivers who may have dashcam footage which could help them establish exactly what happened to get in contact with them.

“Loughlin and his wider family are well respected in the local area and today’s news will leave many shocked and saddened. Our thoughts are with all Loughlin’s friends and loved ones at this sad time."

Q Radio News also spoke to Councillor Jill MacAuley who lives near the scene of the accident.