A young Co Armagh man – who passed away in the United States almost two weeks ago – will be laid to rest on Friday.
Twenty-five-year-old Philip Hagan died suddenly on December 9 in Philadelphia, where he had been working for the past two years.
A son of Rev Matthew and Mrs Jennifer Hagan, of Tynan, Philip was a past pupil of the Royal School Dungannon, where headmaster Dr Andrew Burnett, had described him as an “absolute star”.
“He was always looking out for other people, he was mature and helpful, selfless, responsible and acted with integrity. He was an absolute star, the kind of pupil you remember for all the right reasons.
“All the teachers are heartbroken. Many of them would have taught Philip and there will certainly be a presence from the school at the funeral,” he told the Belfast Telegraph.
Philip, who had one brother, Dr Jonathan Hagan, had been an actuarial science graduate and had been working at Cigna Health Care in Philadelphia.
When he failed to show for work, his colleagues raised the alarm and Philip was found dead at his flat.
He had been due to fly home to spend Christmas with his family.
The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust had assisted the family in bringing Philip home.
His funeral service will be held at St Andrew’s Parish Church, Killyman, on Friday at 2pm, followed by burial in the adjoining churchyard.
Donations in lieu are being accepted and will be shared between the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust and Southern Area Hospice, Newry, with cheque to be made payable to KG Cheevers and Son, Funeral Directors, 28 Dobbin Street, Armagh BT61 7QQ.
