Nevin hailed as a wonderful sportsman

The rugby star killed in a farming tragedy alongside his brother and his father was hailed by teammates as a wonderful sportsman and person.

Nevin Spence, 22, came to prominence playing for Ulster Rugby and was a rising star in Ireland’s international rugby scene but died alongside his loved ones after they fell into a slurry tank.

Emergency services went to the family farm on Drumlough Rd outside Hillsborough, Co Down, shortly after 6pm on Saturday following reports that four people had fallen into a slurry pit.

After a lengthy rescue operation it was confirmed that Nevin, his 30-year-old brother Graham, and their 52-year-old father Noel, had been killed.

Nevin’s sister Emma was taken to Belfast’s Royal Victoria Hospital for treatment for the inhalation of fumes. Her condition is described as stable.

Community leaders have paid tribute to the family.

Chief executive of Ulster Rugby Shane Logan said: “I am deeply saddened by this tragic news. 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.

“He will be sorely missed and the thoughts of everyone involved in the game are with his family at this time.”

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said he was deeply saddened by the news.

The Ulster Farmers’ Union said the deaths had shocked the entire farming community.

Its president Harry Sinclair said: “On behalf of all our members, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family involved.”

Investigations into the cause of the tragedy are ongoing but there are unconfirmed reports that family members may have been attempting to rescue a dog from the tank, before Nevin helped in the effort to save his relatives.

The Health and Safety Executive is to investigate the circumstances and establish a clearer picture of how the tragedy unfolded.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said it responded to a 999 call at about 6.15pm following reports at least three people had fallen into a slurry tank. It said it immediately sent three rapid response paramedics, four accident and emergency vehicles, and an ambulance service doctor to the scene.

The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service also attended and pulled four people from the pit.

Paramedics attempted to resuscitate the men, and while one showed initial signs of responding to treatment, all three died.