25/07/2025
DAERA Pays Tribute To Colleague Vanessa Whyte And Her Children
The Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) has paid a heartfelt tribute to its colleague, Vanessa Whyte, and her children, Sara and James Rutledge, who died in the recent shooting incident in Maguiresbridge.
The news follows the Police Service naming the three family members who were killed.
DAERA Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey expressed the department’s deep sadness, stating that Vanessa Whyte was a "valued member of our Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group and a hugely respected member of the veterinary profession." She added that Vanessa "will be greatly missed by all who worked alongside her."
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher also offered a personal tribute, remembering Vanessa as a "highly respected member of the DAERA Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group, a devoted mother and an active member of her local community." He added that the loss "is immense and it has profoundly affected us."
On behalf of the department, both officials offered sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and asked for privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
The news follows the Police Service naming the three family members who were killed.
DAERA Permanent Secretary Katrina Godfrey expressed the department’s deep sadness, stating that Vanessa Whyte was a "valued member of our Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group and a hugely respected member of the veterinary profession." She added that Vanessa "will be greatly missed by all who worked alongside her."
Chief Veterinary Officer Brian Dooher also offered a personal tribute, remembering Vanessa as a "highly respected member of the DAERA Veterinary Services and Animal Health Group, a devoted mother and an active member of her local community." He added that the loss "is immense and it has profoundly affected us."
On behalf of the department, both officials offered sincere condolences to the family and friends of the deceased and asked for privacy as they come to terms with their loss.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.