Over £40k raised for family of US woman killed in crash outside Bushmills hotel: ‘An unimaginable tragedy’
An American woman who died following a fatal crash incident outside a hotel in Bushmills last week has been described by her friends and family as “a beautiful person inside and out”.
It comes as a fundraiser for Connecticut mum-of-two Allison Eichner has so-far raised over $57,000 (£42,000) to support her husband and two sons.
Last Wednesday police confirmed Ms Eichner, who was aged in her 40s, died in hospital from her injuries following a one-vehicle crash in the Causeway Road area of the village.
On Friday an American woman appeared in court charged with causing death by careless driving.
In the fundraiser for Ms Eichner, a group of her family friends spoke about her trip to the island of Ireland and their “devastation” over her loss.
Writing on the fundraiser, friends described her as having a “kindness and generosity that radiated through everything she did”.
"She had a gift for making everyone around her feel seen, loved, and truly cared for,” it added.
“Allison was a devoted wife to Dan and an amazing mom to their two beautiful boys, Sean and Joey. Her love for her family was limitless, and her greatest joy was being their rock, their safe place, and their biggest cheerleader.
“To those who knew her well, Allison’s quiet sense of humour often caught you off guard — sweet on the surface, with an unexpectedly sharp and hilarious wit, and a wonderfully dirty sense of humour that always made you laugh when you least expected it.
"She was the person who gave endlessly, never asking for anything in return. Whether it was her time, her love, or just a listening ear over a cup of tea (with gluten-free chocolate chip cookies, of course), Allison was always there."
The fundraiser added: “Just days ago, Allison was on a long-awaited, special trip to Ireland to explore her heritage. What was meant to be a time of joy and exploration ended far too soon in an unimaginable tragedy.
Allison Eichner
Weekend News Catchup - 16th June 2025
“As we process this devastating loss, many have asked how they can help. This GoFundMe has been created to support Dan, Sean, and Joey — to help with funeral expenses, immediate needs, and to provide some peace of mind as they begin to find their way forward.
“If you can give, thank you. If you can share, thank you. Most of all, please keep Allison’s family in your thoughts and prayers.”
On Friday Coleraine Magistrates’ Court heard that Cathy Stewart, 66, a special needs teacher from Benton, Illinois, lost control of an electric vehicle as she parked it outside a hotel.
The vehicle was described as having “suddenly bolted forward” into furniture, striking Ms Eichner.
Ms Stewart appeared before the court charged with causing death by careless driving. She indicated she understood the charge when it was put to her.
A police constable said she believed she could connect the accused to the charge.
“It involved a grey Ford Transit, a multiple person vehicle, being driven by the defendant. The defendant collided with the pedestrian while she sat on a bench at the front of the property,” she added.
The constable said Ms Stewart was interviewed by police with her solicitor, answered all questions put to her, co-operated fully, and appeared remorseful.
She said Ms Eichner suffered severe injuries and was treated at the scene by paramedics before being transferred to the Causeway Hospital but died of her injuries a short time later.
A defence lawyer for Ms Stewart described a “tragic, tragic case”.
“This was a simple error which has caused catastrophic consequences,” he said.
“This was an electric vehicle, she pushed the button, she assumed that the vehicle was off and of course being electric it doesn’t make any noise. Unfortunately it has surged forward.
“At the end of her interview she was asked was there anything she wanted to say, I’ll read what she said: ‘I’m just devastated, I can’t get that family out of my mind. I’m the person who protects, to know that someone lost their life is devastating’.
“This is devastating for two sets of people, most especially the family of the deceased, and throughout Mrs Stewart’s only thoughts have been with that bereaved family.”
Relatives of Ms Eichner watched court proceedings remotely while Stewart was granted bail on a number of conditions, including residing at her home address in Illinois and a £5,000 cash surety, in recognition that the case is unlikely to be heard until 2026 at the earliest.
If you would like to contribute to the Go Fund Me campaign click here.
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