A teenage spectator tragically died during the Donegal International Rally on Saturday, leading to the cancellation of the remainder of the event. The governing body Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club released a joint statement confirming that a "young male spectator has passed away" due to an accident on the 12th stage of the rally.

The incident occurred during the first pass of the Gartan stage, which was the 12th of 20 stages in this three-day event, renowned as one of the largest motorsport gatherings in Ireland. Following the accident, two other spectators were reported to be hospitalized at Letterkenny University Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

In light of the tragedy, rally organizers decided to halt the competition as a sign of respect. Motorsport Ireland and Donegal Motor Club extended their "deepest sympathies to the family of the deceased" and requested privacy for them during this difficult time.

An investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident is being conducted by Motorsport Ireland and the An Garda Siochana (Irish police). A Gardaí statement indicated that they are looking into the sudden death of the male youth, who was taken to the hospital shortly after the incident at Trentagh, near Kilmacrennan.

This incident marks the first fatality at the Donegal International Rally since the death of three-time winner Manus Kelly in 2019. Previous incidents at the rally have also resulted in spectator deaths, with notable events in 2008 and 2002. Before the cancellation, Kris Meeke, a five-time World Rally Championship winner, was leading the event ahead of Callum Devine and Josh McErlean.