Northern Ireland

Tributes to Co Tyrone 'gentleman of highest degree' (73) who died while trail bike riding

Harry Alexander had gone missing during a ride in the Sperrin Mountains on Saturday after becoming detached from his group.
Harry Alexander had gone missing during a ride in the Sperrin Mountains on Saturday after becoming detached from his group. Harry Alexander had gone missing during a ride in the Sperrin Mountains on Saturday after becoming detached from his group.

A 73-year-old man from Co Tyrone who died while trail bike riding has been named locally as Harry Alexander.

He had gone missing during a ride in the Sperrin Mountains on Saturday after becoming detached from his group.

It is believed he may have suffered a heart attack.

His body was discovered by the North West Mountain Rescue Team after they were called in to search on Mullaghcarn Mountain shortly before 7pm.

Police confirmed that officers were "investigating the circumstances surrounding the death of a man, aged in his 70s, in the Glengawna area of Gortin, Omagh on the night of Saturday".

A spokesman said his death was not being treated as suspicious.

Tributes have been paid to Mr Alexander, who was from the Gortin Road area of Omagh.

A married father-of-two and a grandfather, he was described as a "gentleman of the highest degree".

DUP councillor Errol Thompson, who knew Mr Alexander, said people had been left "very shocked" by his tragic death.

"He was very well known in the Omagh area, particularly through the family-run contractors he worked for," he said.

"He retired around a decade ago, but he had always other things to keep him busy.

"He kept fit and was often out on the trail bikes, Harry had a great interest in bikes.

"People have been left very shocked by his death, he was a gentleman.

"Harry was married with two daughters and I would express my deepest sympathies to his family at this very sad time."

Messages of condolence have also been posted online.

One friend wrote that Mr Alexander was "always a gentleman", while another added that she was "in total shock" after learning of his death.

Another tribute said it was "so sad, an absolute gentleman".

Mr Alexander's funeral is due to take place today at First Omagh Presbyterian Church at 2pm followed by private interment in Cappagh Parish Churchyard.

He is survived by his wife Diana, daughters Helen and Joan and family circle.