Teenager arrested in connection with crash that killed Carndonagh mum and daughter

Gardai have made an arrest in relation to a fatal crash that claimed the lives of a beautiful young mother and daughter in Inishowen almost six months ago.

Nurse Natalie McLaughlin and her little girl Ella died in a road traffic collision on the main R240 road at Carrowmore, Glentogher, Carndonagh, on Wednesday evening, July 2, 2025.

Six-year-old Ella was pronounced dead at the scene of the two-vehicle crash, while mum Natalie, who worked in a local GP surgery, passed away from her injuries at Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital less than 24 hours later.

Gardai have confirmed that a male in his late teens was arrested and released in recent days, pending the preparation of a file for the Director of Public Prosecutions.

A Garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí continue to investigate a fatal collision that occurred in Carndonagh, County Donegal on 2nd July 2025.”

“As part of this investigation, a male in his late teens was arrested and detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act, 1984, at a Garda station in Donegal on 13th December 2025.”

“He has since been released without charge. A file will be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions.”

It is understood that the male, who was detained, is local to the Inishowen area.

Meanwhile, a young female child, who was a backseat passenger in the car, has since made a good recovery, while a male front seat passenger, aged in his 30s, also survived the crash.

READ NEXT: 'Unspeakable tragedy', as Natalie and Ella are laid to rest in Carndonagh