17 September 2012

Book Of Condolence Opens Following Slurry Tragedy

A book of condolence has opened at Ravenhill Rugby grounds following the tragic death of Ulster Rugby player Nevin Spence, 22.

Both the offices and the ground itself will open from 9am to 5pm every day this week for those wishing to leave expressions of sympathy.

Nevin died along with his father, Noel, 52, and brother, Graham, 30, in a slurry tank incident.

One of Nevin's sisters, Emma, was taken to hospital after she was overcome by fumes, but was discharged on Sunday night.

It is believed Nevin's father entered the tank to try to save the family dog.

His three children tried to pull their father out but were overcome by fumes.

The fire service was called to their home in Hillsborough, County Down, around 6pm on Saturday.

Two of the men were pronounced dead at the scene while the third later died in hospital.

The HSENI is currently investigating the deaths.

SDLP Lisburn Councillor Pat Catney said: "What words can describe what has happened and what the Spence family are going through? This is such a terrible tragedy on such a terrible scale.

"The community is simply stunned there’s no other word for it. They are such a well-known family in the area and people are finding it too much to take in that such horror could happen.

"I would like to pay tribute to the work of the emergency services who administered aid at the scene and the firefighter who bravely risked their own lives and the ambulance crew who tried so hard to save lives.

"My thoughts are with the family and friends."

(CD)