Alex McCarthy Obituary, Death: 16-Year-Old Remembered After Tragic M9 Collision

The Carlow, Ireland, community is mourning the death of Alex McCarthy, 16, who was killed in a devastating collision on the M9 motorway in County Kildare on Sunday, August 16, 2026. Alex was one of five teenage boys who died when the BMW they were travelling in went the wrong way on the motorway and collided head-on with another vehicle.

Remembering Alex McCarthy

Alex was from Carlow town and is being remembered by his family and friends as a much-loved son, brother, grandson, and friend.

His published death notice says he was the beloved son of Lucelle and Edward, adored brother of Jordan, Edward, Donna and Nakita, and cherished grandson of Tina Roycroft and William and Mary McCarthy. The notice also remembers Alex’s girlfriend, Georgia, along with his wider family, relatives, and friends who are grieving his loss.

The sudden death of a 16-year-old has brought profound grief to those who knew Alex and to the wider Carlow community.

Alex McCarthy Cause of Death

Alex died as a result of the fatal M9 motorway collision on August 16.

According to reports, the BMW carrying Alex and four other teenagers was travelling in the wrong direction on the M9 near Moone when it collided head-on with a car carrying members of a Carlow family. All five teenagers died, while four people in the other vehicle suffered serious injuries.

The circumstances of the collision remain the subject of investigation.

Family and Community Mourn

The families of those involved have asked for privacy as they deal with the tragedy. Gardaí have also appealed for respect for the victims’ families.

Alex’s death has left his parents, siblings, grandparents, extended family, friends, and members of the Carlow community facing an unimaginable loss.

Funeral Arrangements

Funeral arrangements for Alex have now been announced. His body is due to repose at his home on Thursday, August 20, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. Removal is scheduled for 2:15 p.m. on Friday, August 21, to Holy Family Church, Askea, where Requiem Mass will begin at 3 p.m. Burial will follow at St Mary’s Cemetery.

Alex McCarthy will be remembered as a much-loved 16-year-old whose life ended tragically and far too soon. His family and friends now face the difficult days ahead while holding onto the memories of the young person they loved.

Information here is for general information purposes only. Details concerning the M9 collision, investigation, funeral arrangements, and other circumstances may be updated as authorities and the family release further information.