Spence: Killed in slurry tragedy
Promising Irish rugby player Nevin Spence was killed in a farm accident on Saturday.
The 22-year-old, who played centre for Ulster, had been brought into the wider training group for the Ireland team during this year's Six Nations, although he had not made his full debut.
He had played three games for the Ireland Wolfhounds, the second tier side.
Spence was killed when he, two other men and a woman - who were reported as being his father, older brother and sister - fell into a slurry tank on their family farm in Northern Ireland.
All four were pulled out of the tank after a lengthy rescue operation, but the three men died, with the woman taken to hospital for treatment for the inhalation of fumes.
Spence had played for the Ulster Ravens against Munster A on Friday as he worked his way back to full fitness after an injury-hit start to the season.
Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said on Twitter: "Deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy in Hillsborough this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with family at this time of devastation."
Ulster fly-half Ian 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..."
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."
Comments
stumpy says...
Deepest apologies to the Spence family. RIP Nevin, from the rugby family.
Posted 11:10 16th September 2012
marzie says...
A fine talent. His poor mother and sister. A dreadful tragedy. I presume they all fell in trying to save each other. Bloody hell. RIP.
Posted 11:07 16th September 2012
Jediboy says...
Such a tragic loss to Nevin, his father and brother.
Thought with their family and friends.
May they rest in peace.
Posted 10:38 16th September 2012
GCP_JONES says...
So sad to hear of the death of Nevin Spence, his brother and father, it really puts things into perspective, all the bickering and bitching recently on this site about european rugby and the PRO 12.
He was a wonderful player with loads of potential.
STAND UP FOR THE ULSTER MAN
Rest in Peace Nevin
Posted 10:25 16th September 2012
norm says...
Shocking and horrible tragedy. God bless the Spence family this is simply horrific. Rugby is irrelevant this morning, but as a rugby player spence was far from irrelevant. He was a great talent and I firmly believe he would have been a first choice centre for his country in the coming couple of years. As I say that has scant relevance this morning.
Posted 10:14 16th September 2012
papachinzo says...
RIP Nevin Spence, Brother and Father. My deepest condolences go out to his poor mother.
No doubt in my mind, he would have started in 13 Green within the next season or two, massive loss for Ulster and Irish Rugby. Hopefully Ulster can pull through and play the season in honour of him.
Posted 10:01 16th September 2012