A veterinary surgeon and her two teenage children have been named as the victims of a suspected triple murder and attempted suicide that has devastated a close-knit County Fermanagh community.
Vanessa Whyte, 45, her son James, 14, and daughter Sara, 13, died from gunshot wounds at their home on Drummeer Road, Maguiresbridge, on Wednesday morning, whilst a man from the same household remains in serious condition at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast.
Police received a phone call from the house at 7.50am BST and discovered what officers described as a “harrowing scene” when they entered the property.
School Mourns ‘Vibrant’ Pupils
Enniskillen Grammar School confirmed on Thursday it was mourning “the loss of two vibrant and much valued pupils” as the wider community struggled to comprehend the tragedy.
“I know that our school community will hold each other close in this time of loss,” the school said in a statement, adding that senior leadership and pastoral staff were working with the Education Authority’s critical incident team.
Local MP Pat Cullen said the children were “part of the fabric of the community” and should have been “enjoying the school holidays and having a wonderful time.”
Murder Investigation Launched
Superintendent Robert McGowan told a press conference that two victims were declared dead at the scene on Wednesday morning, whilst a third died later at Enniskillen hospital. All three died from gunshot wounds.
The alarm was raised, I believe, by a phone call made from the house,” he said, confirming that no arrests had been made and “it is not anticipated that they will be made.
The senior officer said a triple murder and attempted suicide was one line of inquiry for detectives, though the investigation remained at an early stage.
Devoted Mother ‘Lived for Her Children’
Ms Whyte, originally from County Clare, worked as a veterinary surgeon at the Department of Agriculture in Enniskillen and had previously studied at University College Dublin.
A colleague told the Irish News that Ms Whyte was “a normal down to earth woman, liked the craic and just a good woman to be around.
“She lived for her children, did her best for them and everything she did was for them,” the colleague said, adding that Ms Whyte “loved hurling and was mad about it.”
GAA Clubs Implement Crisis Protocols
The three victims were “active and beloved” members of St Mary’s Maguiresbridge Gaelic Football Club and St Patrick’s Hurling Club Lisbellaw, both of which activated critical incident protocols.
“We are working with the GAA at county, provincial and national level, to implement the association’s critical incident protocols,” the clubs said in a joint statement.
Pat Cullen MP said the GAA clubs would be “open for those young people to come along” for support, with appropriate services available.
Talented Young Cricketers
Enniskillen Cricket Club revealed both children had played cricket at school and were “talented young cricketers and two absolutely lovely natured children.
“In what is a hard time for our small community, we would ask everyone to pull together and support each other through these difficult times,” the club said.
The children had participated in the club’s Kwik Cricket Programme for several years under coach Kenny’s instruction.
Emergency Services Response
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service dispatched three emergency ambulances, a rapid response paramedic, two ambulance officers, an ambulance doctor and the air ambulance after receiving a 999 call at 8.21am.
Police officers assisted ambulance staff in administering first aid inside the house, with one patient airlifted to Belfast and another taken to South West Acute Hospital.
Superintendent McGowan said emergency services were confronted with a “harrowing scene” when they entered the home.
Political Leaders Express Shock
First Minister Michelle O’Neill and Deputy First Minister Emma Little-Pengelly released a joint statement saying they were “deeply saddened” by the events.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims and their families, and the wider community,” they said, thanking emergency services who responded.
Northern Ireland Secretary Hilary Benn called it a “tragic and deeply distressing” incident, urging people “not to speculate and to allow the PSNI to continue their investigation.”
Community Support Mobilised
Gardaí confirmed they were working with the PSNI and had appointed a family liaison officer to relatives of the deceased.
The Church of Ireland’s Clogher Diocese said “the whole community has been shocked and saddened” by the shooting, with the Very Reverend Kenneth Hall stating church communities would support family members.
Flowers were left at the scene with a note reading: “We are heartbroken. May they rest in peace. You are in our prayers.”
Rural Area in Shock
Ulster Unionist peer Lord Elliott described the incident as devastating, noting the family was “so local” and well-known in the wider community.
“People are really finding it difficult to get their head around this and that this actually happened,” he said.
Detective Inspector Jim Barry said police would maintain a visible presence in the area as investigations continued, acknowledging the incident had sent “waves of sadness throughout the community.
Appeal Against Speculation
Multiple political leaders and officials appealed for the public to avoid speculation about the circumstances, with Health Minister Mike Nesbitt and Justice Minister Naomi Long urging respect for the privacy of families and friends.
The shock of this terrible event is being felt by many people and we would urge those in need of support to reach out to services provided within the health and social care system,” they said in a joint statement.
Police expect the road to remain closed for some time whilst officers continue gathering evidence at what one resident described as a scene where “life moves slowly” in this rural, quiet place.
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