Tributes have been paid to a young Tandragee man who passed away on Wednesday night following a road collision on Sunday.
Ben Gillis passed away peacefully, his mother Lynne McClimonds announced.
The 19-year-old had been in critical condition following a single vehicle collision outside Armagh on Sunday evening. The incident happened on the Marlacoo Road in Hamiltonsbawn at around 5.30pm.
Among the early tributes to Ben is one from Hanover FC, based in Portadown, of which Ben was a player.
The club described Ben on social media as a “great young lad”.
They said: “It is with great sadness that we share with you the devastating news that Hanover player Ben Gillis sadly passed away yesterday evening. A great young lad who will be sorely missed by all at Hanover Football Club.
“We send our deepest sympathies and support to all Ben’s family, friends and teammates. All footballing activities throughout all age groups at Hanover FC and Hanover FC Youth Academy has now be suspended. In respect of Ben’s passing. Safe in the arms of Jesus.”
Also paying tribute online was Armagh True Blues Flute Band. Ben’s dad Colin is a member.
They posted: “The band are deeply saddened to hear the heartbreaking news that Ben Gillis son of our member Colin Gillis has passed away.
“Our thoughts, prayers and support are with Colin and indeed the entire family circle at this extremely difficult time! As a mark of respect the band will not be parading this weekend. Safe in the arms of Jesus.”
Another wrote: “Heartbreaking news, thoughts and prayers go out to the family and young friends. You will be sorely missed by us all mate, it was a pleasure to coach and play alongside you but even more getting to know you as a person.”
Announcing Ben’s passing on social media last night, his mum Lynne wrote: “This evening our beautiful son, Ben, passed away peacefully.
“As parents we wish to thank everyone for their prayers, thoughts and messages over the past few days. As a family we would appreciate our time and privacy this evening and tomorrow morning.”
Councillor Paul Berry commented: “It is with deep sadness when I learned of the sad passing of young Ben Gillis following an accident on the Marlacco Road on Sunday evening.
“I know the parents and wider family well and my heart goes out to them at this deep time of sorrow on the tragic loss of their son. Over recent days the local community have been praying for Ben and the family and this news has really hit the community hard.
“The local community will rally around the family at this time and the family can be assured of all our thoughts and prayers at this time.
“I spoke to one of Ben’s former school friends yesterday and he and his friends were in a state of shock and this sad news will be devastating for his friends as well.
“Please uphold the parents and wider family in your prayers and trust that God’s grace will be sufficient at this time and the difficult days ahead.”
Funeral details are expected to be announced later today.
