Tributes pour in after Spence dies in slurry tragedy

Nevin Spence’s management company have expressed their “deep regret” after the Ulster centre’s death in a farming accident.

The 22-year-old died along with his father Noel and brother Graham after falling into a slurry tank on their family farm in Hillsborough, County Down.

His sister Emma, an artist whose work includes portraits of Ulster players, is still being treated for the effect of fume inhalation.

Cornerflag Management, who represented Nevin Spence, released a statement saying: “It was with great sadness and deep regret that we learned of the sudden and tragic passing of Nevin, his father Noel and brother Graham in an accident on their family farm on Saturday afternoon.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spence family at this extremely sad time.”

Reports suggest Nevin and Emma were attempting to rescue their brother and father, who had already fallen into the tank.

The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it responded to a 999 call at about 6.15pm following reports that 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 rescued four people from the slurry pit.

Following the lengthy rescue operation it was confirmed that three men had died and a woman was taken to hospital for treatment for the inhalation of fumes.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “Three were unconscious and NIAS paramedics commenced resuscitation efforts immediately assisted by other ambulance personnel.

“One of the four showed initial signs of responding to the efforts of the crews and was transported immediately to the nearby Lagan Valley Hospital, where unfortunately he died a short time later.

“Despite the best efforts of all involved the other two men died at the scene.

“A female was treated at the scene and taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital where she is recovering from the effects of fume inhalation.”

The Irish Rugby Football Union has expressed its deepest condolences to the the family.

Billy Glynn, President of the IRFU said: "This is a terrible tragedy that has struck the Spence family and the thoughts of everybody in Irish Rugby are with them at this time.

Nevin was an outstanding young player which was evident from his progression through the representative ranks and the game has been robbed of a very talented young man.

The rugby community in Ireland is a very close knit one and there has been widespread shock and an outpouring of grief at this news. On behalf of Irish Rugby, I would like to offer our heartfelt support to the family, friends and teammates of Nevin during this difficult time."

Ulster fly-half Ian Humphreys led the tributes on Twitter to his former team-mate, who was a member of the squad that reached the Heineken Cup final last season and was predicted to have a glittering international career ahead of him.

Humphreys wrote: “Devastated to hear the news about Nevin Spence and his brother and dad. Prayers with all his family… RIP Nev, you’ll never be forgotten…”

Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson wrote: “Deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy in Hillsborough this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with family at this time of devastation.”

Tributes also appeared on feeds representing both the British and Irish Lions and the RaboDirect Pro12, the league in which Ulster play.

The Lions post read: “All our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ulster centre Nevin Spence, his father and brother. Reportedly died in accident.”

The post on the Pro12 account read: “Shocked. We just read about Nevin Spence. RIP. There are no words.”

Former Ireland and Munster hooker Jerry Flannery added: “Terrible news on Nevin Spence, his Brother and their Dad. Offering up prayers for their family and friends, unbelievably sad.”

Former Wales winger Shane Williams was also among those to pay their respects on the social media site, writing: “My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Nevin Spence. A tragic loss. A class act on the field also. RIP.”

Lives have been lost in the past in accidents at other farm slurry tanks, but the scale of the latest tragedy caused widespread shock.

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

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

“This news has shocked the farming community. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the three men who have so tragically lost their lives.

“We understand that a fourth member of the family has been hospitalised and we pray that they will make a full recovery.”

Tributes also came from notable Northern Irish sportsmen Rory McIlroy, Barry McGuigan and Mark Allen.

McIlroy, golf’s world number one, wrote on his Twitter account: “Just heard the tragic news of Nevin Spence and his family. Makes you cherish every day you have on this Earth.”

Former boxer McGuigan wrote: “Tragic news about Nevin Spence and his family, in County Down Northern Ireland. My deepest heart felt sympathy to his family.”

Snooker star Allen added: “What a loss for the family and for ulster and Irish rugby!! In shock here!!”