Rugby star and family in slurry deaths

Investigators are examining the circumstances of the accident in Co Down, which is believed to have unfolded as the three tried to come to each other’s aid after falling into a slurry tank at their farm in Hillsborough.

Ulster Rugby star Nevin Spence, 22, was killed along with his 30 year-old brother Graham, who is married with two children, and their father Noel, 52.

His sister Emma was stable in Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital after treatment for the inhalation of fumes. The remaining family members, are Nevin’s mother Esme and his sister Laura.

Emergency services went to the family farm in Drumlough Road shortly after 6pm on Saturday following reports that four people had fallen into the slurry pit.

Investigations are continuing, amid reports that the family died trying to save one another, or trying to save a dog from the tank.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland said: “The exact sequence of events is not yet clear but HSENI is investigating a definite line of inquiry.”

Presbyterian Moderator Dr Roy Patton said: “We are all left in a state of bewilderment and shock in the wake of this tragic accident.”

Nevin Spence was a star of the Ulster Rugby team and was said to have a glittering international career ahead of him.

At Ulster’s home stadium of Ravenhill in Belfast his former colleagues were visibly shaken.

Chief executive of Ulster Rugby Shane Logan said: “Nevin was a wonderful player but also a wonderful person. He was well liked by everyone who knew him and his loss will be deeply felt by his teammates and everyone at Ulster Rugby.”

Nevin was in the Ulster squad that reached the European Heineken cup final last season.

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson and Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness said they were deeply saddened by the tragic accident.