13-Year-Old Lauren O'Brien Dies in Racing Crash

Lauren O'Brien, a 13-year-old girl from Tarelton, died after her modified car collided with another vehicle during a junior heat at a Cork Autograss Racing Club event near Bandon in west Cork. Despite rapid emergency response, she was pronounced dead at the scene from serious injuries. Her body was transferred to Cork University Hospital for a post-mortem. Gardaí have launched an investigation, appealing for witnesses and asking that any event footage be given to investigators rather than shared online. All races at the event were suspended, and officials provided support to her family and friends present. The Cork Coroner's and State Pathologist's offices are assisting in the ongoing inquiry.