Belen, 23, died after being hit by a car on the N11 Bray Road in Loughlinstownon Sunday night
18:21, 20 May 2026Updated 18:26, 20 May 2026
Belen Arana
Gardai investigating the death of Spanish summer camp organiser Belen Arana have issued an appeal to potential witnesses in two specific cars to come forward.
Belen, 23, died after being hit by a car on the N11 Bray Road in Loughlinstown on Sunday night. She was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigating officers have issued a renewed witness appeal today – with gardai particularly interested in speaking with the occupants of both a silver SUV with a black roof, and a silver hatchback MPV which was stopped at a nearby bus stop, who may have witnessed the crash. A garda spokesperson said: “Gardaí continue to appeal for witnesses to a fatal road collision, which occurred in Loughlinstown, Dublin on Saturday 16th May 2026.
“At approximately 11:50pm Gardaí and emergency services responded after a pedestrian was struck by a car on the N11 Bray Road, Loughlinstown. The pedestrian, a female in her 20s, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. Any persons who were in the Loughlinstown vicinity between 23:30pm Saturday 16th May 2026 and 00:15am Sunday 17th May 2026 and who may have any information are asked to contact investigating Gardaí.
“Road users who may have camera footage from the area at the time are asked to make this available to investigating Gardaí. Additionally, An Garda Síochána is appealing the occupants of the following vehicles that may have witnessed the collision to make contact with them:
Silver SUV style vehicle with a black roofSilver hatchback MPV, stopped at the bus stop no. 3146 (inbound)
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Shankill Garda Station on (01) 666 4400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.” Belen was a philologist, who organised summer camps for youngsters from her hometown.
Officials in Trebujena, near Cadiz in south-west Spain, named her as the traffic accident victim on Monday, as they declared three days of mourning. Announcing the official period of mourning Trebujena Council chiefs said in an official statement, referencing Belen by her full name: “The Town Council of Trebujena declares three days of official mourning in the municipality following the death of local resident Belen Arana Nunez on Saturday, May 16.
“During these three days, the flags on municipal buildings will fly at half-mast as a symbol of mourning. From the Town Council, we extend our deepest condolences to Belen’s family and friends. May she rest in peace.”
The town hall added: “In the name of all the residents of our town, we send our strength and encouragement to Belen’s loved ones at this difficult moment in time.” One local responded by saying: “What a great sorrow for those parents, especially for that mother — I say this from experience. I join the whole family in such immense pain, and from here I send all of them my support. May they rest in peace, one more angel in heaven.”
Another said: “This news has caused so much pain.” A third admitted: “Very sad. My deepest condolences to all Belen’s family and friends. Rest in peace.”
Belen said on social media she lived in Greystones in Co Wicklow. She had advertised late last year on her Facebook for youngsters from Trebujena who wanted to get to know Dublin and stay with host families, saying: “As is now tradition, this summer we’re repeating our adventure in Dublin with the boys and girls from Trebujena.
“Students aged 13 to 17, this is for you: Fun English classes adapted to your level, accommodation with Irish host families, activities, excursions, and loads of plans, always accompanied and with everything under control. It’s a wonderful experience where you learn, enjoy yourself, and come back with your English through the roof. “Places are limited, so if you’d like more info, just message me anytime. Another summer… Trebujena takes over Dublin!”
In a Facebook post a couple of days earlier she had posted an emotional birthday message to her mum alongside photos of them together, writing: “You’re the best and I love you more than anybody however many kilometres separate us. You know you will always be my favourite photo.”
Belen wrote after graduating two years ago from the University of Cordoba where she studied English and German: “Translator and interpreter.” She spent time living in Meath and Cork in 2022 after getting her degree and returned to Cork in 2024 after a short stay in England.
She described herself in an online CV as an activity leader at the Apollo Language centre in Cork in the summer of 2024, going on to work in Dublin. Shortly after moving to Dublin, Belen introduced herself to potential students by saying: “Hello! I’m Belen, a student of Translation and Interpretation of English and German at the University of Córdoba.
“I have a b2 certificate from Trinity College and a c1 from the International House in Dublin. I have been teaching for 2 years to people who have wanted to learn the language from scratch and to people who needed a little push to keep them motivated.
“Whatever your goal is, I am ready to help you achieve it, contact me without any pressure. Today is the day! Don’t let it pass and immerse yourself in English with me.”
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