Two siblings from Ballymoney, Northern Ireland, were buried a day apart after unrelated deaths, with Bobby McLean dying in a road accident and Isobel Fleming passing at home
Funeral Services for Bobby McLean and Isobel Fleming
Bobby McLean, the first person to die on Northern Ireland’s roads in 2026, was laid to rest on Thursday.
The funeral of his sister, Isobel Fleming, whose death is unrelated to the accident, takes place on Friday.
Mr. McLean, who was in his mid-80s, died last Saturday after a one-vehicle collision near his home village of Bushmills. He was a former school bus driver.
Mrs. Fleming was the leader and a trustee of the Ballymoney Evergreen Club, a charity registered in 2014.
The funeral for Mrs. Fleming will take place in St. Patrick’s Parish Church, Ballymoney, at 1:30 PM today. She died at home on Tuesday; it is understood she had been unwell for some time.
Both siblings were heavily involved in their local community.
Local DUP councillor Sharon McKillop, who knows the family well, offered her sympathies after attending Mr. McLean’s funeral.
“Bobby was a well-known and much-loved character — active in the community, full of humour, and someone who brought laughter wherever he went,” she said.
“To many, he was simply known as a ‘legend’, and rightly so. His loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him, and today was a powerful reminder of the mark he left through his warmth, kindness, and wit.”
“At this already very difficult time, the McLean family are also preparing to lay Bobby’s sister, Isobel, to rest tomorrow. My thoughts and prayers are with the family as they cope with such a profound loss.”
“My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with Bobby’s family and loved ones at this very difficult time.”
Summary of Events
| Event | Date | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Bobby McLean’s Death | Last Saturday | One-vehicle collision near Bushmills |
| Bobby McLean’s Funeral | Thursday | Laid to rest |
| Isobel Fleming’s Death | Tuesday | Died at home, had been unwell |
| Isobel Fleming’s Funeral | Friday | St. Patrick’s Parish Church, Ballymoney at 1:30 PM |
