A 21-year-old Portadown man has appeared in court accused of causing the death of a Co. Armagh teenager two and a half years ago.
Zane Brown, of Dorchester Drive, appeared before Armagh Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday morning charged with causing the death of 17-year-old Rachel Lowry in a road traffic collision along the Coolmillish Road in Markethill in September 2020.
The 21-year-old made a brief appearance where he confirmed his name and date of birth before agreeing to the holding of a Preliminary Enquiry.
District Judge Anne Marshall said there was a prima facie case to answer.
Brown is due back at Newry Crown Court on March 28 for arraignment. He was released on his own bail of £500 until then.
Ms Lowry was a popular former pupil at Markethill High School as well as a drum major with the Quinn Memorial Pipe Band.
Following her death, Ms Lowry’s family expressed their heartfelt grief at the tragic and sudden loss of Rachael, who was “especially special to the entire family circle”.
They said: “Rachael had grown into a beautiful young 17 year old girl with great gifts in music and creativity.
“The family were so proud of Rachael when in 2017 she won the Junior World Drum Major Championship, and again in 2019 when she was runner-up in the Juvenile World Drum Major competition.
“With excellent GCSE results this year and beginning a Health and Social Care course at the SRC in Armagh, Rachael had a bright future ahead of her however the family’s joy in Rachael’s achievements were turned into tears of overwhelming grief yesterday afternoon.
“The family would like to express their sincerest thanks to PSNI, Air Ambulance and neighbours at the scene who all cared for Rachael.
“The family would request privacy as they mourn Rachael’s passing and try to come to terms with such a great loss to their family that will affect every part of their lives.”
