- Family’s Devastation and Community Support
- Emotional Vigils Held in Ballymena and Belfast
- Calls for Ending Violence Against Women
Chloe Mitchell’s family has endured a “living hell” since the murder of the 21-year-old Ballymena woman, according to her older sibling.
Philip Mitchell stated that his family was “devastated,” and hailed the residents of the County Antrim town for their support.
Ms. Mitchell went missing in Ballymena on June 2, and a man was charged with her homicide a week later.
On Wednesday, hundreds of people attended vigils in Ballymena and Belfast.
Philip Mitchell stated, “I find it remarkable how the community – not just the Ballymena and Harryville community, but every community and beyond – has united in memory of my little sister Chloe.”
“The flowers and respect they have received are truly remarkable. Our family holds it in the highest regard and will always recall it.”
He expressed his hope that as many people as feasible would attend the vigils to “give her the farewell she deserves.”
When asked how the family was coping, Mr. Mitchell responded, “I wouldn’t wish this on any family; it’s a living hell and there are no words.”
Nadine Mitchell, speaking alongside her brother, stated, “I’ve not only lost my sister but also my best friend.”
She said that Chloe was unique because she had touched so many souls.
She was innocent and never caused anyone harm.
Nadine continued, “My sister will continue to exist as long as I do because she had half of my heart and I now have half of hers.
Chloe Mitchell was the youngest member of her family; her parents, two older sisters, and two older siblings survive her.
Billy McDowell, the uncle of Chloe, described the family’s anguish as “unbearable.”
“It’s so difficult for them to deal with at the moment,” he continued, explaining that the Mitchell family had requested seclusion in their own home.
However, he expressed gratitude for the public’s assistance during the searches and support at the vigils.
Turning Point NI, a mental health charity, organized the Ballymena vigil.
Hundreds of people are gathered in King George V Park for the vigil.
Trudi Power from the charity stated that the entire town was “in mourning” due to recent events.
The socialist feminist organization Rosa NI also held a vigil at City Hall in Belfast.
It appears as though the entirety of Harryville has gathered at this vigil in King George V Park, within view of where Chloe Mitchell grew up.
Many were in tears as they comforted and embraced one another.
Many of the floral tributes in the park bore the inscription “Forever 21”, Chloe’s age at the time of her death.
The members of this close-knit community are gathering tonight to remember Chloe and console her family.
Members of the Community Search and Rescue team who searched for Chloe received a round of acclaim.
Natalie McNally’s father, who was murdered in Lurgan in December, attended the Belfast vigil for Chloe Mitchell’s family and friends.
He described the murder of Ms. Mitchell as “absolutely horrifying.”
Noel McNally stated, “Our family knows exactly what they’re going through, and you wouldn’t wish it on your worst enemy.”
“Everyone must unite to end this violence against women… Stop regarding women as second-class citizens; all individuals must be treated equally.”
Rosa’s Ann Orr organised the vigil to express grief and support Chloe’s family and friends.
She stated that there was “collective grief” over Ms. Mitchell’s passing, noting that she is the eighteenth woman murdered in Northern Ireland since 2020.
