Gortin farm death ‘a terrible tragedy’

A DEEP sense of shock and sadness has enveloped the Gortin and Rouskey communities after the tragic death of father-of-two Ryan Joseph Brown (pictured) in a farming accident in the area on Saturday evening.

The accident happened at around 8.30pm on the Gorticashel Road in the townland of Greenan, Gortin. Two emergency ambulance service crews attended the scene.

Mr Brown, who was in his early 40s, was working at silage when the tragedy occurred. The Health and Safety Executive confirmed they are currently making enquiries into the accident.

Mr Brown, who is the father of two young children, lived at Shergrim Glen in Omagh with his family.

He is formerly from Gorticashel, where the accident occurred. Mr Brown was also employed as a lorry driver.

Local councillor, Sean Clarke, said the community was in ‘great shock’.

He added, “It is another terrible tragedy. Our heartfelt condolences go out to the Brown family. He was a young man with a young family, and the thoughts and prayers of the entire community are with them.”

Ulster Unionist councillor Bert Wilson, who also knows the family, described Mr Brown’s passing as ‘an awful tragedy’.

Cllr Wilson said, “It is incredibly sad. I have known the family for a long number of years, and this tragedy will bring untold grief. I offer my deepest condolences to them.”

Cllr Wilson also stated the fatal accident was another reminder of the dangers that farmers face every day.

Mr Brown was laid to rest at Greenan Parish Church graveyard yesterday (Wednesday) after a Service of Thanksgiving for his life at the home of his parents. Donations in lieu were made to Air Ambulance NI.

Mr Brown is survived by his wife, Sinead, children, Laura-Jayne and Joseph, parents, Ruby and William and brothers, and sisters, Charlene, David, Derrick, Kyra, Jillian, Richard and Jade.