Some stories break your heart long before you finish reading them. The death of 21-year-old Marguerita Sheridan has left an entire community grieving, especially as she had welcomed her first child only weeks earlier. Her passing has filled the holiday season with sorrow instead of celebration.

Marguerita was struck by a van on December 21 in Rathkeale, Co Limerick. Reports say she may have been standing behind gates when the driver rammed through them. She suffered critical injuries and later died, leaving behind her husband Dennis and their newborn son, Edward.

The turning point came when a man was arrested and charged in connection with her death. He faces counts of dangerous driving, making threats, and producing a machete. The charges only deepened the shock for family members who described Marguerita’s marriage as a “Romeo and Juliet” love story.

On Christmas Eve, hundreds gathered with candles to honor the young mother. Her husband shared photos of their baby surrounded by toys she would never see him enjoy. Friends wrote heartfelt messages, calling her “too good for this world” and praying for strength for the grieving family.

Her father remembered her as a “true legend” in the Traveller community. More than a thousand mourners attended her funeral, where she was celebrated for her bright spirit, her joy for life, and her deep love for her family.

In the quiet that follows such loss, her story reminds us how precious—and fragile—our time with loved ones can be.