Two best friends died hand in hand in an accident right before prom night.

During the subsequent court trial, Oisin Clerkin described how terrified he was during the ride, explaining that the vehicle was moving so fast that it felt out of control. He also noted that Kiea appeared visibly scared, highlighting the intense fear that gripped everyone in the car that night. The vehicle was reportedly traveling at around 94 miles per hour, nearly double the speed limit of 50 miles per hour on the road where the crash occurred. This grossly excessive speed was a key factor that contributed to McGinn losing control of the car and ultimately causing the fatal accident.

The aftermath of the crash was deeply tragic. Reports stated that both Kiea and Dlava died side by side at the scene of the accident, holding hands in their final moments—a heartbreaking detail that underscores the close bond between the two friends. Dlava’s sister, Avin Mohamed, was also a passenger in the vehicle at the time of the crash. She sustained serious injuries and was so badly hurt that she did not learn about her sister Dlava’s death until several months later. The trauma of the accident has left Avin with significant memory loss related to the event, and she struggles to recall many details from that day. Additionally, she has wrestled with feelings of guilt because she was the one who invited Dlava to the prom, making the emotional burden even heavier for her.

The legal consequences for McGinn followed in May 2024, when he was sentenced to seven years in prison after admitting to dangerous driving causing the deaths of the two teenagers. The sentencing brought some measure of justice, but it could never undo the irreversible loss suffered by the families. In the aftermath of the sentencing, Kiea’s mother, Teresa McCann, spoke out with deep sorrow and frustration. She said, “Seven years, that’s the justice here. Two beautiful girls. This is what we got today. There is no justice for this. My child’s life is gone and never coming back.” Her words captured the profound grief felt by all who loved Kiea and Dlava.Continue reading…