Dundalk woman (24) killed in Belfast hit-and-run collision
Raven Adams, 24, was born in Clonmel, Tipperary but grew up in Dundalk
A young woman who grew up in Dundalk has been killed in a hit-and-run collision in north Belfast.
Raven Adams, 24, was born in Clonmel, Tipperary but raised in Dundalk died following the incident in the York Street area of the city in the early hours of Thursday morning, July 16.
A 22-year-old man was also seriously injured as a result of the collision in the York Street area of the city.
Detective Inspector Stewart from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Collision Investigation Unit said: “We received a report at approximately 2.40am of a single-vehicle collision involving two pedestrians.
“It was reported the pedestrians were struck by a vehicle - the driver of which, a 22-year-old man, subsequently fled the scene, and was later arrested by officers in the nearby Cavehill area.
“He remains in police custody at this time as enquiries continue into the circumstances of what happened.
“Officers attended the scene, alongside colleagues from other emergency services where medical treatment was provided to both pedestrians.
“Sadly, the female was pronounced deceased at the scene – while the man has been taken to hospital for treatment to serious injuries.
“The road has now fully reopened following a number of earlier closures in the area.”
Raven's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from those who knew her in Dundalk.
Panama Coffee, where Raven had been a regular customer since her early teens, said it was "with great sadness" that staff learned of her passing.
In a heartfelt social media post, the café said: "Raven had been coming to Panama since she was 13 years old and always brought such great energy when she was in. A gentle soul, we will miss you.
"Jade, Chandi and Paul, our thoughts and prayers are with you. RIP Raven."
The PSNI are appealing for anyone with information about the collision or who has dash-cam footage of what happened, to contact police using our witness appeal form at https://reporting.psni.police.uk/appeals quoting reference 181 16/07/26 or call us on 101.
Local North Belfast DUP MLA Phillip Brett said: “I am deeply saddened to confirm that, following the hit and run collision on York Road in the early hours of this morning, 24 year old Raven Adams, originally from the Tipperary area, has tragically lost her life.
“A 22 year old man also sustained serious injuries in the collision and remains in hospital. My thoughts and prayers are with him, and I wish him strength and a full recovery.
“My heartfelt condolences are with Raven’s family, friends and loved ones as they come to terms with this devastating loss.
“The PSNI have confirmed that the driver left the scene following the collision before being arrested by officers a short time later in the nearby Cavehill area.
“He remains in police custody while detectives from the Collision Investigation Unit continue their enquiries into the circumstances surrounding this tragedy.
“I would urge anyone who witnessed the collision, or who has dash cam, CCTV or any other information that could assist the investigation, to contact the PSNI on 101, quoting reference 181 of 16 July 2026. Even the smallest piece of information could prove vital.
“This is an incredibly sad day for our community. I would ask everyone to respect the privacy of those affected and allow the PSNI the time and space to carry out a full and thorough investigation.
“Finally, I want to pay tribute to the police, ambulance service and all of the emergency responders who attended the scene and dealt with the most difficult of circumstances. My thoughts and prayers remain with everyone impacted by this heartbreaking tragedy.”