A fundraising page set up in memory of a teenage girl, with family in Northern Ireland, who was killed in a mass school shooting in Florida has so far raised almost £7,000.
Cara Marie Loughran, whose grandparents live in Toomebridge in Co Antrim, was one of 17 people gunned down on Wednesday when a lone gunman went on a shooting rampage at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School
A popular Irish dancer and gymnast, Cara's father had emigrated to the US 20 years ago. Her grandfather Paddy, grandmother Ellie and extended family still live in Toomebridge.
It is understood Cara's older brother, Liam (17) witnessed the shooting but survived.
Former pupil, Nikolas Cruz (19), who had been expelled from the school, has been charged with 17 counts of premeditated murder – charges that carry the death penalty in Florida.
A fundraising page set up in memory of the 14-year-old describes her as a "wonderful kid with big dreams".
"As an honor roll student, her passions in life revolves around family, friends, gymnastics, surfing and Irish dancing," it says
"Cara Marie was a freshman who attended Marjory Stoneman High School and was faced with a difficult situation on February 14th, 2018.
"Cara Marie was a victim of a senseless crime at her high school. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends during this time of need".
Last night, the page had raised almost £7,000.
Meanwhile, Carnalea Golf Club in Bangor was among those who offered their sympathies in the aftermath of the atrocity.
"Carnalea Golf Club wish to pass on condolences to our professional Thomas Loughran on the tragic loss off his niece Cara Loughran who was caught up in the school shooting tragedy at Florida High School in America," it said in a statement.
The Irish dancing fraternity also paid tribute to Cara, describing her a "beautiful soul who always had a smile on her face".
The Drake School of Irish Dance in Florida said in a statement: "Our hearts are so heavy, as we have lost one of our dancers".
"We are heartbroken as we send our love and support to her family during this horrible time. Several of our other dancers have been directly impacted by this tragedy and have experienced things that no one should ever go through. Please keep the Loughran family and the rest of our dance family in your thoughts and prayers".
While, the Mulcahy Academy Of Irish Dance said it was "absolutely heartbroken" by the loss.
"I can't even begin to comprehend what the DrakeSchooldance family is going through right now. They have asked all Irish dancers to wear the DrakeSchool colors by wearing an Orange ribbon while performing or competing this weekend.
"I ask that we all do this to show our support for one of our own fellow Irish dancers, who's life was so tragically stolen from her".
