Accident claims life of teenager in Tyrone

A TYRONE teenager, who was known for his cheeky smile, infectious laugh, and hilarious stories, was killed in a tragic accident at the weekend.

Moving tributes have poured in for Adam David Newell  from Coagh, near Cookstown, who died suddenly in what is understood to be a workplace incident near Moneymore on Saturday morning.

An electrician by trade, the 19-year-old was a student of South West College, and a much-loved former pupil of Cookstown High School and Stewartstown Primary School.

Adam was also a popular junior member of ‘East Tyrone Cycling Club’. In a poignant tribute, the club said that the talented rider will be ‘sorely missed’.

“Adam was a talented young rider, who loved racing and competitive cycling,” they said. “He had a natural ability on the bike, and was a very popular member of our club. We all have fond memories of Adam, and he will be sorely missed.”

“We extend our most sincere and heartfelt sympathies to Adam’s family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all at this very sad time.”

‘FOND MEMORIES’

In a touching post on Facebook, a spokesperson from Stewartstown PS said they ‘have so many’ fond memories of Adam’ during his time with the school.

“We are devastated to hear of the sudden death of past pupil,” they said. “Our thoughts are with his sorrowing family at this tragic time.”

Cookstown councillor Trevor Wilson said he was shocked and saddened to hear of the tragedy. “My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this terrible time,” said the councillor.

“I understand that Adam was a talented cyclist and to hear that someone so young has lost their life like this is just heartbreaking.”

An online death notice from ‘R Steenson & Son’ read, “Adam David, treasured son of Andrew and Mary, 63 Bridgend, Coagh, Cookstown, special brother of Megan and Jemma, devoted grandson of George and Yvonne Newell (nanny and papa) and Leslie and the late Jacqueline Bloomer, Funeral arrangements to follow. Family flowers only please. Donations in lieu, if desired, to Air Ambulance N.I. c/o Steenson Funeral Services (Charities a/c), 11 Loy Street, Cookstown, BT80 8PZ.”

In a statement, a PSNI spokesperson said, “Police received a report of a sudden death on the Tirgan Road, Derry/Londonderry at approximately 10am on Saturday, October 16.

“The Health and Safety Executive have been informed.”

Adam is survived by parents, Andrew and Mary; sisters Megan and Jemma; and grandparents, George and Yvonne Newell, and Leslie Bloomer.