Tragic death of Ballygawley woman in Bermuda road collision

A NATIVE of Ballygawley has tragically died following a road collision in Bermuda.

Police on the island confirmed that Joanne McCaul, 53, who had been living in Hamilton, was involved in a single-vehicle crash in the early hours of Tuesday, October 21.

Officers were called to South Road, near the junction with Lover’s Lane in Paget, shortly after 2.30am, where they found Ms McCaul lying unresponsive in the westbound lane. She was taken to hospital with serious injuries but later died.

Her death marks Bermuda’s ninth road fatality of 2025.

Ms McCaul, affectionately known as “Wee Jo”, worked in the hospitality industry and had been a much-loved member of the Island Restaurant Group since 2004.

In a heartfelt tribute shared on social media, the restaurant group said she had been “an inspiration to the entire IRG family”.

“Joanne joined IRG in 2004 as a server at Hog Penny, where her dedication and enthusiasm quickly shone through,” the company said.

“Over the years, she climbed the ladder into management, leading with kindness, strength and grace.”

Ms McCaul went on to manage several of the group’s popular eateries, most recently The Pickled Onion and Brew in Hamilton.

“Her passion, laughter and warmth touched everyone who had the privilege of working with her,” the statement continued.

“Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends and everyone who loved our Wee Jo. You will forever be in our hearts.”

Originally from Ballygawley, Ms McCaul was a former pupil of St Ciaran’s High School and later studied at the Belfast College of Business Studies before moving abroad.

Tributes have poured in from friends and colleagues in both Bermuda and Northern Ireland, describing her as a “kind-hearted, vibrant and much-loved” woman who left a lasting impression wherever she went.

The Bermuda Police Service said a Family Liaison Officer has been appointed to support Ms McCaul’s relatives, and investigations into the circumstances of the crash are ongoing.