Family of Stephen Holmes say they are ‘forever heartbroken’

The sister of 31-year-old Stephen Holmes, who died after a serious assault in Strabane, today told his funeral their family are ‘forever heartbroken’.

Speaking at the Requiem Mass for the father-of-two at Melmount church, Strabane Father Michael Doherty made a plea to the community for an end to the number of tragic deaths of so many young people in the town.

Fr Doherty said: “I’m sure that we are no different to any other town, but we seem to have brought so many young adults to this church for burial after their deaths.

“Some were through natural causes, maybe after short or long illnesses, but in more recent years we’ve been burying people through other causes and I don’t need to spell them out today.

“But all of them who have passed from this life leave behind them broken-hearted families and in some cases, because of the way life is led now, leave behind them fearful communities, fearful for their own children and the style of living which is becoming too prevalent.

“And whenever we have a death like Stephen’s – and as I say we’ve had so many of them, so many young deaths over the past years, you always hope that this will be the last one. But there always seems to be another.

“No matter how many young people gather here today and have done so for other funerals over recent years, and make a plea not to let it happen again, sometimes it can be forgotten about and the same thing happens.”

Father Doherty told the congregation Stephen’s family could take some comfort that even with the ‘tragic circumstances’ of his death, he was now at rest.

During the Mass, a few words written by Stephen’s sister Zara were read out which expressed her family’s thanks to the staff at Altnegelvin Hospital and the Royal Victoria Hospital.

The statement also asked for Stephen to ‘watch over’ his two sons as they grow older and that his family would ensure he will ‘live on’ through them.

Speaking about hospital staff, Zara said: “They treated Stephen with the utmost care and dignity and as a family we will be forever grateful,” she added.

“Stephen is a beloved son, he’s a daddy and a baby brother. He put up a brave fight to stay, but this battle was one he could not survive.

“Our hearts will be forever broken but we will take some comfort in knowing that we were there with you, surrounding you in love like we always did. Please look over your mummy and daddy, your two big brothers and your sister, all your nieces and nephews but most importantly your two little boys, Alfie and Noah, who love you so very much.

“As a family we will watch them grow and see you live on through them. Today as a family it is very hard to say goodbye. May God keep you safe until we see you again.”

Stephen Holmes was seriously injured after an incident on February 3.

He was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital and later transferred to the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast, where he passed away last Saturday.

Dylan McCrossan has been charged in connection with his death.

At Strabane Magistrates Court on Thursday, the original grievous bodily harm with intent charge against the accused was upgraded to murder.

The 31-year-old, from Beechmount Village, Strabane was remanded in custody until March 6.