Heartbreaking coffin request for girl who 'died in her daddy's arms' after road tragedy

The family of a little girl killed in a collision in Co Galway at the weekend have made a heartbreaking request for her funeral.

Ula Grigaitytė (6) died when the bicycle she was cycling was in collision with a truck at the busy junction of the Headford Road and Sandyvale Lawn on Saturday.

She was a matter of feet away from her dad when the tragedy occurred. Her RIP.ie death notice says she "died wrapped in her daddy's arms."

The notice said: "It is with profound sadness that Ula’s parents, Egle and Linas, share the tragic news of their little daughter’s death on Saturday, 05 April 2025. Ula (6 years) died wrapped in her Daddy's arms following an accident."

It went on to say she was "deeply loved by her heartbroken parents, grandparents Laima and Raihondas, uncles Ramúnas, Paulius and aunt-in-law Thaine, Riihuydas and aunt-in-law Tatjana, cousin Darius and Ula’s relatives in Lithuania.

"Ula will be greatly missed by her best friend Killian, her playground friends, playschool friends, and school friends , by all the school community and neighbours."

The family shared a quote from the Harry Potter films - “But know this; the ones that love us never really leave us." 

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The family also made a request to Ula's friends for the funeral service, especially those who will not be there in person to say goodbye.

"Perhaps Ula’s friends may find comfort in participating in saying ‘goodbye’. If not, they might like to prepare a picture to place in the coffin after the gathering. The coffin will be closed for the duration of the funeral, and flowers would be lovely on top.

"Single flowers are most welcome. Selected music will be played during the reposing and a few ‘words’ spoken in loving memory of Ula at 4pm. approximately."

Tributes have been flowing for Ula since her tragic passing. One woman wrote: "Ula will forever be in our hearts, a great friend to James who will miss her dearly. Sending all of our love to her family and loved ones."

Another man added: "I am heartbroken for you all. There are no words and as a father of four, I cannot imagine what you are going through. Cry as much as you need to. May your little Angel Rest In Peace."

Her former soccer coach said: "I was lucky enough to be able to coach Ula in soccer. Egle and Linas, I don't believe we ever spoke but she was a credit to you. An absolute joy to be around, always smiling and she'd give me a giggle every week without fail.

"I feel honoured to have had her in our sessions and I hope we brought her as much joy as she brought us. Ula, you will be missed. Rest in Peace."

Funeral Arrangements

There will be a funeral gathering on Wednesday afternoon, 09 April, 2025, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the O’Flaherty Funeral Parlour, Munster Avenue, Galway (H91V1K8).

This gathering will provide an opportunity for family and friends to meet.

Gardaí continue to appeal for any witnesses to this collision to come forward.

Gardaí are also appealing for any road users who may have camera footage (including dash-cam) who were travelling in the area of the Headford Road (N84) between Coolough Road/Headford Road junction and the entrance to Tirellan Heights/Headford Road junction in Galway city between 11:45am and 12:15pm today Saturday 5th April 2025 are asked to make this footage available to investigating Gardaí.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Galway Garda Station on 091 538 000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.