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
irishaussie says...
forget that he was a rugby player - the fact that Nevin along with his bother died trying to save his father, who he himself was trying to save the family dog, is a testament to the courage, character, heart and humanity of these 3 men. This is much more than a loss for rugby; this is an eternal loss for the people who knew them.
Posted 01:05 19th September 2012
blametheref says...
What a terrible terrible tragedy...All on these boards are united in our sympathy
Posted 18:54 17th September 2012
rugby_rockstar says...
That's awful. My sincere condolences go out to the Spence family and I wish Nevin's sister a speedy and full recovery. I'm sure the Ulster and Irish rugby community will rally around the Spence family, its small consolation but the rugby fraternity will do their best to lighten the load.
Posted 10:58 17th September 2012
APV1 says...
I echo the other posters' thought. Tragedies like this put everything into perspective.
RIP Nevin and family.
Posted 10:23 17th September 2012
hellovanite says...
My deepest sympathies and heartfelt prayers go out to the Spence family. At times like this I just want to hug the ones I love and appreciate what I have. Such a tragic loss....RIP
Posted 08:07 17th September 2012
jamesliveinhope says...
don't often comment on these stories, I somehow always feel too detached to feel that my remarks have any sincerity.
This one's a bit different though, partly because its an absolutely tragic waste of a promising talent and young life and partly because I had the pleasure of seeing that talent score one of the most committed trys I've ever seen at the Rec a couple of years ago.
RIP Nevin, thoughts are with your family and Ulster.
Posted 22:22 16th September 2012
Houston_11 says...
Absolutely gutted with what has happened. As an Ulster abd rugby fan, it's devastating for the loss we have this season. More importantly at this time; as a person I've been left speechless - my thoughts are with the family at this terrible time.
Posted 21:15 16th September 2012
MarcosGGuti says...
Really, really sad. My prayers are with the Spence family.
Rest in Peace Nevin Spence.
Posted 18:30 16th September 2012
Dannyboy says...
Rest in Peace Nevin, brother and father. Horrible horrible tragedy.
Stand up for the Ulster man!
Posted 18:13 16th September 2012
boksmashoffice says...
A terrible tragedy. RIP Nevin Spence, Father ad older brother.
Posted 17:32 16th September 2012
TVaddict says...
What a horrific thing to happen. It's moments like these that help you realise what's important in life. Rest in peace Nevin, his brother and his dad.
Posted 17:25 16th September 2012
ArmchairGeneral says...
A farming family robbed of its men. Truly tragic.
Posted 16:35 16th September 2012
crunchfit says...
Sickening. Not really sure what else to say other than my condolences to the family. Lost for words really.
Posted 14:51 16th September 2012
heart_of_oak says...
What a terrible tragedy - almost an entire family wiped out. I was hearing on BBC news this morning that a sister is in hospital. That poor girl will need alot of support from now on. I love my rugby but it pales into insignifance at times like this.
Posted 14:13 16th September 2012
melkdave says...
A great loss for irish rugby,N.Spence was a player with alot of potential ,and a long successfull carreer infront of him .My best wishes and condulences go to his family and friends
Posted 13:48 16th September 2012
benski says...
Terrible news. Tragically these Slurry pit accidents are more common than you may think. RIP Nevin.
Posted 12:17 16th September 2012
Bones7 says...
This is tragic. Thoughts go out to his family and I hope his sister makes a speedy recovery.
Posted 12:16 16th September 2012
ulsterman1999 says...
Our deepest sympathys to the Spence family. Spence would have become an Ulster legend. A man who always played will real passion for the team. He will be deeply missed but not forgotten.
Posted 11:28 16th September 2012
leinster_goy says...
horrible news. moments like this make you realise that rugby doesn't really matter, in the great scheme of things. RIP nevin
Posted 11:20 16th September 2012
stumpy says...
and to Planet Rugby, I firmly believe this should be the main story to pay respect to Nevin.
Posted 11:10 16th September 2012