In a cruel new blow to a family already shattered by unimaginable grief, funeral arrangements have been revealed for 16-year-old Callum Hutchinson, the popular Tipperary teenager who died in a devastating two-car collision in Northern Ireland – the same smash that left 10-year-old Christopher Faulkner, cousin of the late Scarlett Faulkner, in critical condition.

The young boy remains gravely ill in hospital as his devastated relatives, still reeling from the loss of Scarlett and her brother Jason just weeks ago, plead for prayers and strength to endure what one relative described as “more pain than any family should have to bear”.

Callum, described by friends and locals as a “lovable lad” with a bright future ahead, was tragically killed when the car in which he was a passenger collided with another vehicle on the Belfast Road at Nutts Corner in County Antrim shortly before 8am on Sunday morning.

Another heartbreaking chapter for the Faulkner family

The Faulkner family from Limerick has been plunged into fresh turmoil following the death of Scarlett Faulkner, the 29-year-old devoted mother who succumbed to catastrophic head injuries three weeks after a brutal roadside assault near Birdhill, Co Tipperary on March 21.

Scarlett was laid to rest amid emotional scenes at St Munchin’s Church in Limerick on April 17, remembered as “our sleeping beauty” and a loving mum who “gave everything” to her young daughter. Just days later, her brother Jason Faulkner died suddenly, with his funeral held on April 24 at the same church – the same horse-drawn carriage used for both siblings. The family buried them side by side at Meelick Cemetery in south-east Clare.

Now, in what relatives have called their “third tragedy in as many weeks”, young Christopher Faulkner – a cousin of both Scarlett and Jason – clings to life after the horror crash. The 10-year-old was a passenger in the same car as Callum Hutchinson and suffered serious injuries. He is said to remain in a critical condition in hospital, with his family maintaining a desperate vigil at his bedside.

Aunties and other relatives have taken to social media and local reports to appeal for prayers, with one saying: “I don’t know how much more they can take. Please God look after little Christopher and give strength to Callum’s family too. They are the nicest people.”

A prayer vigil was held at St Lelia’s Church in Limerick as communities across Limerick and Tipperary rallied in support.

Who was Callum Hutchinson?

Callum Hutchinson, 16, from Co Tipperary, was remembered locally as a lively, well-liked teenager with a wide circle of friends. Details of his personality have begun to emerge through tributes, painting a picture of a young man full of life who enjoyed typical teenage pursuits and was close to his family.

He was a passenger in a Volkswagen Passat involved in the collision with another vehicle at Nutts Corner, a notorious stretch of road known to drivers in the area. Emergency services rushed to the scene, but Callum was pronounced dead at the location despite desperate efforts to save him. The PSNI confirmed a 16-year-old male passenger from the Tipperary area had lost his life.

Other occupants were injured, including young Christopher Faulkner, who was taken to hospital where he continues to fight for his life. A man in his late 20s or early 30s has since been charged in connection with the fatal crash, with reports stating he expressed “complete and utter regret” in court. He has appeared before magistrates and was refused bail in some updates.

Funeral details for Callum Hutchinson

Funeral arrangements for the 16-year-old have now been confirmed, offering a focal point for mourning in the tight-knit Tipperary community still coming to terms with the sudden loss.

According to reports, Callum’s remains will be brought to his family home for private family time before public reposing. His funeral Mass is expected to take place at a local church in his Tipperary parish, followed by burial in a nearby cemetery. Exact times and venues are being finalised by the family in consultation with undertakers, with many locals anticipating large crowds given the teenager’s popularity.

Friends have spoken of organising floral tributes and a guard of honour, while balloons and messages are already appearing in areas linked to the young victim. One local source said: “Callum was one of those lads everyone got on with. This has hit the whole area very hard, especially coming so soon after the Faulkner tragedies.”

The Faulkner family has sent private condolences to Callum’s loved ones, with reports noting that relatives expressed sympathy for the teenager’s family despite their own overwhelming grief. In one moving statement relayed through friends, a Faulkner relative asked God to “look over the 16-year-old boy from Tipperary who has died and his family.”

The crash that shocked two communities

The collision occurred on a Sunday morning on the Belfast Road at Nutts Corner – an area familiar to many travelling between Belfast and surrounding regions. PSNI officers attended alongside emergency services. Initial investigations suggest a two-vehicle impact, with the Passat carrying Callum and young Christopher among its passengers.

Forensic teams examined the scene for hours as road traffic investigators worked to establish the exact circumstances. Dashcam footage and witness appeals are likely to form part of the evidence as the case against the charged man proceeds.

Nutts Corner has seen previous serious incidents, prompting renewed calls from road safety campaigners for improved signage, speed reduction measures, or infrastructure upgrades on the busy route.

The involvement of such a young victim – and the critical injury to a 10-year-old – has intensified the sense of shock. Christopher’s link to the Faulkner family, already known nationally following Scarlett’s high-profile case, has drawn widespread media attention and an outpouring of public sympathy.

Scarlett Faulkner’s legacy and the family’s ongoing ordeal

Scarlett Faulkner’s own story remains raw in the public consciousness. The young Limerick mother suffered devastating head injuries in what Gardaí described as a serious assault on the R494 near Birdhill. She fought for 23 days in Cork University Hospital before her life support was withdrawn on April 13.

Her funeral at St Munchin’s Church featured heartfelt tributes from sister Victoria, who spoke of justice for Scarlett and thanked the community for its support. Mourners lined the streets as a horse-drawn carriage carried her bronze-coloured coffin. She was buried at Meelick Cemetery alongside her brother Jason days later.

The family has faced relentless sorrow: Scarlett’s death, Jason’s sudden passing, and now the life-threatening injuries to young Christopher coupled with the death of another teenager connected through the wider community.

Relatives have spoken privately of feeling “numb” and relying on faith and community kindness to get through each day. Support services, including victim support organisations and counselling, are understood to be assisting the extended family.

Investigation updates and calls for information

In the Scarlett Faulkner assault case, a man in his 40s and a teenager were recently arrested, adding to earlier charges against a 40-year-old woman and a 16-year-old girl. The investigation continues as files are prepared.

Separately, the PSNI is investigating the Nutts Corner crash. A man has been charged with offences including causing death by dangerous driving or similar, and he remains in custody. Court hearings are ongoing, with updates expected in the coming days.

Police in both jurisdictions have appealed for witnesses, dashcam footage, or any information that could assist. In Northern Ireland, anyone with details about the crash is urged to contact the PSNI.

A community united in grief

Tributes have flooded in for Callum Hutchinson across social media and local groups. Friends described him as “always smiling”, “up for a laugh”, and someone who “lit up the room”. Many expressed disbelief that such a young life could be cut short so suddenly.

In Limerick and Tipperary, churches and community halls have seen spontaneous gatherings, with candles lit and prayers offered for both Callum’s family and the Faulkner’s – particularly for little Christopher’s recovery.

Road safety advocates have used the tragedy to renew calls for caution, especially among young drivers and passengers. “These roads take too many young lives,” one campaigner said. “Speed, distraction, or simple mistakes can have consequences that last a lifetime for families.”

As funeral details for Callum are finalised, the focus for his loved ones will be on celebrating his short but vibrant life while saying a final goodbye. For the Faulkner family, the wait continues for positive news about Christopher, even as they process layer upon layer of loss.

This latest tragedy has united people across provinces in sorrow and solidarity. In the words of one local paying tribute: “Too many young people gone too soon. Our hearts go out to all the families – may they find some comfort in the days ahead.”

Anyone with information about the Nutts Corner crash is asked to contact the PSNI on the non-emergency number or Crimestoppers anonymously. In the Republic, Gardaí continue to investigate the Birdhill assault and urge anyone with information to come forward.

The Faulkner family, through their unimaginable pain, continues to show remarkable dignity, with appeals centred on prayer, support for Christopher, and justice where it is due.

Callum Hutchinson’s young life, full of promise, will be remembered at his upcoming funeral as communities come together once more to mourn another bright spark extinguished far too early.