Community Mourns Slain Pregnant Woman

Vigil Held as Funeral Arrangements Announced

Following the tragic death of a 27-year-old woman, a community in Northern Ireland is grieving. A vigil was held Wednesday evening, and funeral services are scheduled for Thursday in Donaghadee, Co Down.

Upcoming Funeral Service

After her death last weekend, the funeral for Ms. Montgomery will take place after a service at Donaghadee Parish Church on Thursday at 3 p.m., following a private family committal service earlier in the day.

Community Comes Together

The passing of Ms. Montgomery has deeply affected many, spurring an outpouring of grief and support. Hundreds gathered Wednesday evening to remember her in a vigil held in Donaghadee.

A large crowd, many holding flowers and candles, walked from the town’s resource center to the Elmfield Walk home where Ms. Montgomery was discovered on Saturday afternoon.

Tributes Paid at Vigil

During the vigil, Ainsley White shared heartfelt words about the deceased: “To Sarah, family meant everything. Her two little girls meant absolutely everything to her.”

White continued, “Sarah was the best mummy and she couldn’t wait to make her family complete with her little boy. I hope Sarah knew how much she was loved.

“I don’t have the words to describe Sarah as a friend, I was honoured to call her my best friend and my sister at the same time.

“She never failed to put a smile on your face. She was a girl’s girl, she had your back.”

Mourners observed a minute of silence, followed by applause. Afterward, many people lined up to place flowers at Ms. Montgomery’s residence.

Man Charged with Murder

In a related development, Zak Hughes, 28, of Ardglen Place, north Belfast, was charged with the murder of Ms. Montgomery and has been remanded in custody after appearing in court this week.

Focus on Violence Against Women

The death of Ms. Montgomery, who was pregnant with a son she planned to name Liam Arthur, has intensified concerns about violence against women and girls in Northern Ireland. According to the Police Service of Northern Ireland, there were 33,743 domestic abuse incidents recorded in 2021/22, an increase of 3.4% on the previous year (PSNI, 2022).

Tragically, she is recorded as the 27th adult woman killed in Northern Ireland since 2020.