News

Tributes to four-year-old 'wee angel' following drowning accident

The four-year-old was taken to Antrim Area Hospital but was tragically pronounced dead
The four-year-old was taken to Antrim Area Hospital but was tragically pronounced dead The four-year-old was taken to Antrim Area Hospital but was tragically pronounced dead

TRIBUTES have been paid to a four-year-old "wee angel" who died in a drowning accident in Co Antrim on Halloween night.

Mourners will gather in Glenavy today for the funeral of Jack Irvine.

The Ambulance Service said a 999 call was received just after 9pm on Tuesday "to report an unconscious four-year-old who had been removed from a pond in the Crumlin area".

"A rapid response paramedic attended the scene and with the help of local PSNI immediately transported the boy to Antrim Area Hospital, continuing resuscitation efforts en route.

"Tragically the young boy was pronounced dead. Our thoughts are with his family at this terrible time".

SDLP councillor Thomas Burns said it was a "tragedy beyond a tragedy".

"It's a parent's worst nightmare and my thoughts are with the family," he said.

Friends have also taken to social media to pay tribute to Jack.

One described the four-year-old as a "wee angel" while another said: "I can't imagine what youse are going through right now, my thoughts an prayers are with you."

Another post read: "I'm so sorry to hear about your wee Jack. My heart is broken for you. I will pray for you all xx"

Police confirmed the death was not being treated as suspicious.