Tragic first pic of girl, 16, killed in Navan hit & run while walking dog as family ‘devastated’ after car ran red light
A TEENAGE girl was killed in a hit-and-run while out walking her family’s dog yesterday.
The 16-year-old, named locally as Mia Lily Keogh O’Keeffe, was struck by a red Mercedes on the Slane Road in Navan, Co Meath at around 8.20pm on Saturday.
It’s understood the Merc drove through a red light and hit the teen as she was crossing the road with her “beloved dog”, Bowie.
Mia was treated at the scene before being rushed to Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital in Drogheda, Co Louth but was later pronounced dead.
The dog was also killed in the incident.
A statement from An Garda Siochana said: “The car involved failed to remain at the scene.”
A man in his 20s was later arrested in connection with the incident.
He was being held last night under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda station in the Eastern Region.
We can reveal the suspect returned to his home before handing himself in to gardai.
It’s understood the driver was returning to Navan at the time of the collision.
Gardai are also examining the vehicle and believe the incident may have been witnessed by a passerby.
Detectives are also trawling CCTV footage of the incident.
It’s also believed relatives of the teen rushed to the scene at the time of the crash.
One source said: “This is a terrible tragedy and the poor girl was just out walking her dog.
“The suspect has been arrested after presenting himself to gardai.
“The teenager was hit as she was crossing the road and didn’t stand a chance.”
A GoFundMe page has been set up by a close relative of the Keogh O’Keefe family to help with the cost of Mia Lily’s funeral.
The fundraiser, which people can donate to here, reads: “Mia Lily was just moments from her home when the collision occurred, and the driver did not stop.
“She was only 16 years old and had her whole life ahead of her. She leaves behind her heartbroken mam Louise, dad Stephen, her sister Katelyn, and her brothers Kai, Zack and Cole, along with so many friends and loved ones who are devastated by her loss.
“At this unimaginably painful time, we are asking for any support you can give, no matter how big or small, to help ease the financial burden on her family as they lay their beautiful girl to rest.
“Every donation and every share means more than words can say. If you’re unablle to donate, feel free to share.
“Mia Lily, we are beyond heartbroken by your loss.”
Diversions were put in place around the Slane Road, the N51, as forensic investigators carried out examinations today.
An Garda Siochana appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash to come forward, in particular anyone who may have recorded footage in the area between 8pm and 8.45pm on Saturday.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Navan Garda Station on 046 9036100, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda station.
Fine Gael Meath County Councillor Yemi Adenuga said the community had been “shaken” by the “heartbreaking news”.
She added: “A young girl, a daughter, a sister, a friend, has lost her life on the Slane Road, Navan.
“I want to extend my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones.
“I cannot begin to comprehend their grief, and I know there are no words that can ease the pain they must be going through now.
“But I hope they know that the entire community stands with them, quietly, respectfully, and with compassion.
“As a parent and as a public representative, my heart and prayers are with them at this very difficult time.
“Navan is a close community. We watch our children grow up together. We pass one another in school gates, on playing fields, in supermarkets, on evening walks.
“As a community, we must hold this family in our thoughts and prayers at this time, and also respect their privacy as they navigate this difficult period.
“I also want to remind us as a community about our responsibilities on the road. Our roads are shared spaces. Every decision made behind the wheel carries consequences.
“We must recommit ourselves, individually and collectively, to care, caution, and accountability.
“I also want to acknowledge the emergency services and Gardai who responded last night and who are now carrying out a full investigation.
“I urge anyone with information to come forward and assist them.
“May the young girl rest in peace, and may her family find strength in the love that surrounds them.”
Mia was among four people killed on our roads on Saturday.
A woman in her 80s died after a crash at Rooaun near Eyrecourt in Co Galway at around 8.15pm.
Earlier on Saturday at around noon, a man and a woman, both in their 40s, died following a collision between a car and a van on the Tramore Road (R675) at Robin Hill, Tramore, Co Waterford.
The driver of the van, a man in his 50s, along with a boy who was a passenger were taken to University Hospital Waterford for treatment of non life-threatening injuries.
The deaths take the number of people killed on our roads this year so far to 22, compared to 19 as of February 20, 2025.
