By Michael Breslin

A TEENAGE boy from Ederney remains critically ill in hospital following last weekend's road collision on the Castlederg Road outside the village which claimed the life of his young girlfriend.

A popular and bright 18-year old 'A' Level student from Enniskillen, Shelley Sturgeon, from Menapian Way, Dublin Road, died in the Erne Hospital on Monday from fatal injuries she sustained in a two-vehicle road traffic collision on Sunday afternoon.

Her boyfriend, Paul Calgie (19), from Drumbarron, Ederney, who was driving the Opel in which Shelley was a passenger, remains 'critically injured' in the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast.

At her own pre-arranged request, Shelley's vital organs were removed for transplanting by members of a specialist team in the Erne Hospital on Monday night.

Paul, a third year trainee mechanic with Donnelly Bros, Enniskillen, had been transferred from the Erne Hospital on Saturday.

The two occupants of the second car, a brother and sister, were detained overnight in hospital but were discharged the following day. They lived at Scraghey, not far from the scene of the collision which occurred four miles out of Ederney on the Castlederg Road.

Paul and Shelley had left his parents' home to visit a friend who also lived locally. They were travelling out of Ederney and the second car, a Ford Focus, was travelling in the opposite direction. Police investigators are still trying to find out what caused the accident.

News of the tragedy, and continuing concern about Paul's condition, evoked widespread shock and sadness. The two families, the Sturgeons and the Calgies, had enjoyed close ties ever since Shelley and Paul had started dating 10 months ago.

loss

On Tuesday, as Shelley's parents, April and Tom began coming to terms with their loss, they both wished Paul a full and speedy recovery.

Mr Sturgeon, who is well-known in local golfing circles, spoke for both: "It was absolutely unfortunate circumstances. A complete fluke. Nobody could know a happier fellow, always with a smile on his face. I never saw him in bad humour, easy-going, a lovely chap, without a spot of harm".

Paul's mother, Geraldine, who visited the Sturgeons early on Monday morning, described the young couple as, 'like two peas in a pod'.

"Paul and Shelley were part of an extended family on both sides. They were like part of the furniture. At the same time, they have lost a daughter and we have still hope for Paul. If they had what we have, they would be delighted".

Shelley, who has a 14-year old sister, Holly, was a past pupil of the Model Primary School and the Collegiate Grammar School where she had just finished her 'A' Levels in art, French and English literature. Her mother, April, who is manager of Curves ladies gym in Belmore Street, recalled her diligence to her studies.

"She worked night and day and studied really hard, and was ready to enjoy the Summer. Her and Paul were due to go to Turkey on 21st July, she had passed her driving test six weeks ago, she had it all planned.

"She was full of confidence and energy. Paul and her were very close. I would describe her as very bubbly and vivacious and extremely bright."

Mr and Mrs Sturgeon then revealed that their daughter's vital organs had been removed for transplanting. Mr Sturgeon said he and his wife were aware Shelley carried an organ donor card. He related how a record check, by the transplant coordinating team, showed that Shelley had elected to donate her organs when she applied for her driving licence.

"She was in their data base and, when it came to myself and my wife signing the consent form, we went along with her wishes. We just felt that somebody may as well get her organs. We're expecting to hear in a few weeks' time where they went to."

Meanwhile, Paul's parents, Geraldine and John Calgie along with family members and friends are keeping vigil in the Royal.

Mrs Calgie, speaking before leaving again for Belfast yesterday, explained that their son had been medically sedated to prevent movement, and that the medics were waiting until the swelling in the brain to subside.

She spoke of the immense support the family had derived from friends as well as from the extended family: "You couldn't ask for better people. The support that we got from the Ederney area was just so good."

Likewise, Mr and Mrs Sturgeon said they had received all kinds of support from visitors, both in the Erne hospital and in their home.

Shelley's funeral takes place today (Thursday).