Raven Adams: Mum of Belfast crash victim has had 'heart shattered into a million pieces'

Raven Adams: Mum of Belfast crash victim has had 'heart shattered into a million pieces' Raven Adams was hit by a car as she walked home from her shift at The Thirsty Goat pub 13:35, 21 Jul 2026 Updated 13:47, 21 Jul 2026 Taylor Swift's 'Bigger Than the Whole Sky' played as friends and family of Raven Adams bid a final farewell to her in Dardistown Crematorium in Dublin this morning. Raven, 24, originally from the Tipperary area, had just finished working at The Thirsty Goat pub in Belfast when she was killed following a road traffic collision involving a car and two pedestrians. A man was also seriously injured in the York Street area at around 2.40am on Thursday and taken to hospital. Police said the driver of the car "fled the scene" but was arrested nearby. A celebration of Raven's life was held in Dardistown Crematorium in Dublin on Tuesday morning. "I cannot contemplate life without you, Raven," said older sister Chandi through tears. "You were my sweet baby sister and the only reason I can stand here today is because I know you were happy. "I have so many good memories of us together but in particular, you, me and Paul sitting talking for hours smoking rollies. It was impossible to feel awkward in your company, Raven. "We would listen and dance to music from when we grew up - Mum's music; Lady Gaga, High School Musical and One Direction and by the time we would sit down to eat we would be absolutely starving from all the dancing. "I will love you forever and ever." Raven's sister Chandi also read out a message from Raven's mum Kelsie. "I don't know how to go on without you. The world does not make sense without you in it. It's a cruel world we live in and we could do with many more people like you, Raven. My heart is shattered into a million pieces." Raven's father, Adam, also spoke during the ceremony describing his daughter as a "force of nature". "No words do Raven justice," said Adam. "Raven was a force of nature - she was fun, funny, silly and always messing around and smiling. "Raven was fiery and passionate, she was fierce and loyal and protective." : Woman seriously injured after being 'stabbed at altar' in Tramore church : Belfast child Dáithí Mac Gabhann receives heart transplant after eight-year wait Adam continued: "She was so strong. She had her challenges in life but she didn't let them define her instead they made her into the independent and confident young woman that we all knew. "The best way I can sum up Raven is through a Facebook post I keep seeing about her. Every time I go on Facebook it's top of my feed - she must want to see it or something. The post simply reads: 'If anyone could make lemonade when life gives you lemons, it was you kid.' That was my girl." There were also tributes and poems read out by Raven's auntie Mel and friends and housemates, Katie and Sharna. Article continues below Francis Donaldson, 22, of Cardigan Drive in Belfast, appeared before the city’s magistrates on Friday to face a number of charges, including causing death by dangerous driving on July 16. Want to see more of the stories you love from ? Making us your preferred source on Google means you’ll get more of our exclusives... To add as a preferred source, simply click here .