When news broke of the tragic crash near Dundalk, County Louth, that claimed the life of 21‑year‑old Scottish student Chloe Hipson, grief and shock swept across Scotland, Ireland — and beyond. Chloe, originally from Bellshill in Lanarkshire, was studying quantity surveying at Dundalk Institute of Technology (DkIT) in Ireland, when the fatal collision struck.
As mourning began, heartfelt tributes poured in from family members, friends and entire communities — and a wave of solidarity formed around one shared wish: to bring Chloe back home.
Family’s grief — and love poured into words
Family members spoke publicly for the first time about the heartbreak of their loss. Elizabeth Elliot, a cousin of Chloe’s father, said the news left the family “broken.” She told the Record:
“Chloe was a beautiful, smart soul and did life right. She was loved by so many and this has left the biggest dent in the family with her gaining her wings so early.” Yahoo News+1
She continued:
“She will be with her granda Billy Hipson in heaven now. So heartbroken… Goodnight Chloe. Rest in peace now. We are all heartbroken for you. Everyone is so broken.” Yahoo News+1
On social media, Chloe’s aunts joined in the mourning. Chantelle Hipson wrote:
“Don’t have the words. I will reply to everyone at some point. World has lost a bloody gem of a girl. Heart’s breaking x.” IrishCentral.com
Another aunt, Marie McStravock, added:
“Devastated writing this post. Chloe, you gained your angel wings. So proud to call you my niece. Forever 21.” IrishCentral.com+1
Their words — raw, pained, full of love — echoed the magnitude of the loss, while also celebrating the kindness, warmth and brightness Chloe brought to everyone who knew her.
Community outpouring — from social media to silent vigils
Across social media platforms, former classmates and friends flooded tribute pages with memories of Chloe. Described often as “bright, warm, full of life,” many recalled how she could light up a room with her laughter, support a friend in need, or simply greet strangers with kindness.
Communities in both Ireland and Scotland organised vigils, lit candles, laid flowers — small but powerful acts of collective mourning and solidarity. At DkIT, students and staff left messages of condolence in a book of remembrance opened in her memory.
In quiet homes, living rooms and towns — strangers wept together; parents hugged, siblings held hands — united by grief and the desire to comfort a family shattered by sudden loss.
A fundraiser for a final farewell home
One of the most tangible acts of solidarity came via a fundraiser organised by Bellshill Amateurs FC — the football club where Chloe’s brother plays. Within hours of the GoFundMe page going live, people from across the UK and Ireland began donating to help cover funeral and repatriation costs.
Originally aiming to raise £15,000 to bring Chloe’s body home to Scotland, the campaign quickly surpassed expectations. By the time donations were paused, the total had exceeded £30,000–£31,000.
In a statement, the club said: “We have now paused donations on the GoFundMe page. We would like to thank each and every one of you for your kindness … your generosity has allowed us to give Chloe the loving send‑off she deserves.”
That money — a powerful symbol of compassion — will help give Chloe a final journey home, allowing her family to grieve together and bid farewell properly.
A heartbreaking absence — but a legacy of love endures
Though one of five young lives lost in the collision, the name of Chloe Hipson seems to carry a special weight. Her family calls her “angel,” “beautiful,” “a gem.” Friends call her “warm,” “bright,” “kind.” Communities call her “gone too soon.”
In death — as in life — Chloe has brought people together. Her story has sparked generosity, compassion, unity across borders. The flood of messages, donations, and collective grief are not just about mourning one young life; they speak to something deeper — our shared vulnerability, our ability to care, and our need to remember.
Her mother’s silent plea — “oh darling… come home to me!” — resonates still. But thanks to thousands of strangers, friends, and loved ones, at least one wish may be granted: Chloe’s final journey home to Scotland, surrounded by those who loved her most.
And though she is gone, more than one thousand voices assure the world: she will not be forgotten.