TRAGIC LOSS
‘We will never forget you’ – Heartbreaking tributes pour for ‘outstanding’ teen killed in horror Pakistan crash with mum
The Shafiq family were visiting Tariqabad in Pakistan when the tragic accident occurred
HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in for an "outstanding" Mayo teenager who was killed in a crash in Pakistan with his mum.
Noreen Shafiq, 55, and her son Umar, 18, died in a horror crash in Faisalabad in Pakistan on Thursday, July 11.
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Three other family members who lived in Ballinrobe were injured in the collision between a car and a bus in the Faisalabad district of the province of Punjab.
Noreen's husband, Shafique, is one of the three family members who were injured in the horror crash and have been hospitalised for treatment for their injuries.
The Shafiq family were visiting Tariqabad in Faisalabad and were travelling to Gojra in their car when the tragic accident occurred.
Umar was an "outstanding goalkeeper" who represented Ballinrobe Town AFC club from U10s to the senior team - and represented his own county for serval events.
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Ballinrobe Town AFC paid tribute to their well-loved player Umar and his mother, Noreen, after hearing the tragic news of their death.
They said: "It is with great sadness that we have learned of the passing of our club member Umar Shafiq and his mother Noreen in a tragic accident while on a family holiday in Pakistan.
"We are absolutely heartbroken for the entire Shafiq family and friends as well as all Umar's teammates and coaches who held Umar in such high regard.
"Not only was Umar an outstanding goalkeeper who represented the club from U10s all the way to the senior team but he also represented Mayo at various levels.
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"While Umar was still on the Under 18 squad he had become an important member of our senior squads and was regularly in goals for our Junior B team as well as being a part of our Super League team, making his debut earlier this season away to Conn Rangers.
"All Umar’s teammates, many of whom came through the underage section of the club with Umar, are devastated with this sudden and tragic loss of their friend and we ask the community also rally round to support them too.
"Everybody who knew Umar both within our club, the Ballinrobe community and the wider Mayo football family, as evidenced by the massive numbers of messages of sympathy we have received, knew Umar as a lovely young gentleman who always had a positive outlook on things.
"We will miss our great friend who was always so enthusiastic, upbeat and an absolute pleasure to be around. Umar, we will never forget you."
The club revealed it was working with the Shafiq family to arrange a special event to remember Umar and his mam.
They said: "The club along with Ballinrobe Community School are actively working with the family to look at how we as a community can pay our respects in due course and will share information as and when we can."
HEARTBREAKING TRIBUTES
Locals in the south Mayo community of Ballinrobe last night told how the area had been left reeling from the news of the tragic road deaths in Pakistan.
The local community of Ballinrobe in South Mayo was left devastated after hearing the news of their tragic death, with many flocking to pay tribute to the "sadly missed" Umar and Noreen.
A close teammate of Umar said: "Umar, you really were a breath of fresh air to our squad this season. That big smile when you walked into the dressing room, your enthusiasm & positive energy that filtered through to us all and you being just 18.
"This is just terribly terribly sad news and am also thinking of your poor mother Noreen.
"My heart goes out to your family and friends tonight. You have left a huge void and will be missed by everyone involved with the club."
Another mourner said: "Heartbreaking to hear this news yesterday, Umar had such a lovely personality from an early age as a small boy in play-school to a lovely teenager who always had a smile, was so polite and seemed so happy with life.
"His Mum was so proud of him, may they rest in peace. We are truly heartbroken for their family, condolences to you all."
The third person said: "A terrible tragedy. They'll be sadly missed, may Umar and his mother rest in peace."