Boy, 16, killed in Co Clare hit-and-run sent chilling text to pal before crash

Boy, 16, killed in Co Clare hit-and-run sent chilling text to pal before crash Bryan Lowe, 16, was hit by a car and found unresponsive on the side of a road in Co Clare, Ireland, after messaging a friend saying he believed he was being followed A 16-year-old boy who was knocked off his e-bike and killed in a hit-and-run had told a friend that he thought he was being followed shortly before his death. Bryan Lowe was found unresponsive on the side of the L3050 near Cloonlara in Co Clare, Ireland, after 11pm on Friday night. Despite the best efforts of emergency services, the teenager was pronounced dead at the scene. Shortly before he died, Bryan had messaged a friend telling them he believed he was being followed. He told the friend to contact the Gardai if he wasn't home soon. One theory being probed by officers is that the 16-year-old was being followed by people who may have wanted to steal his e-bike, reports the Irish Mirror. Gardai released an image of a Cork-registered car they believe was involved in the incident and urged anyone with information to come forward. Posting on social media, Bryan's mum said she believes her son had been "murdered". "The gards rang me, they called to house for my DNA," she said. "How bad is my son that they needed DNA. Lord Help me. He was murdered. I know who did it (sic)." On Sunday, officers said they would like to speak to the driver and occupants of a silver/gold-coloured Skoda Octavia with registration plate 05-C-5982, which was driving in the vicinity of Clonlara and Castelconnell on Friday evening and Saturday morning. In a statement, Gardai said they are "continuing to appeal for witnesses following a fatal road traffic collision that occurred in Cloonlara, on the Clare-Limerick border, on Friday 4th September 2026. "Shortly after 11pm, emergency services alerted Gardaí after an e-bike rider, a male in his mid-teens, was found unresponsive by the roadside on the L3050 at Cottage Cross near Cloonlara. He was pronounced deceased at the scene. "A second vehicle involved in the incident failed to remain at the scene. "Gardaí are interested in speaking to the driver or occupants of a silver/gold colour Skoda Octavia, registration number 05-C-5982, driving in the vicinity of Clonlara/Castelconnell Co. Clare between the hours of 6:00pm on Friday 4th September and 11.00am on Saturday 5th September 2026. "Anyone with information is asked to contact Gardaí.Road users who were in the Cloonlara/Castleconnell area at the time and may have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí. "Anyone with information is urged to contact Henry Garda Station on (061) 212400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station. Investigations are ongoing."