World Athletics president Lord Sebastian Coe expressed profound sorrow over the death of Irish Olympian Ciara Mageean, who passed away from cancer at the age of 34. The news, shared via Mageean's official Instagram account on Sunday morning, prompted an outpouring of tributes from notable athletes, including Katie McCabe, Keely Hodgkinson, and Dina Asher-Smith.

Mageean's passing comes shortly after her marriage to Thomas Moran during a small civil ceremony in Belfast and a larger celebration at Darver Castle. Lord Coe stated, “It is with great sadness that we learned of Ciara’s passing this morning at such a young age. A European champion and inspiration to many, it is a sad day for our sport – her loss will be felt across the athletics community.” He extended condolences to her family and loved ones.

The Instagram announcement described Mageean as a “beloved daughter, sister, wife, friend and inspiration to so many,” concluding with the Irish phrase, “Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam,” meaning, “May her soul be at the right hand of God.” Fellow athletes expressed their heartbreak, with Jess Hull stating, “There are no words. Just the most beautiful person in every way imaginable.”

Amber Barrett shared her devastation, calling Mageean a “light of elegance and grace,” while Katie McCabe emphasized the pride Mageean brought to representing Ireland. Statements from Athletics Ireland and British Athletics further highlighted the impact of Mageean’s loss.

Mageean, originally from Portaferry, County Down, competed in the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 Olympics and made history in 2024 by winning European 1500m gold in Rome. In July, she revealed that her cancer had worsened but remained hopeful about her upcoming marriage and treatment.