Northern Ireland

Man (21) killed in Co Armagh workplace accident `had the ability to light up a room'

Matthew Biggerstaff (21), from Tandragee, was killed in a workplace accident at the Taranto construction factory in the town yesterday
Matthew Biggerstaff (21), from Tandragee, was killed in a workplace accident at the Taranto construction factory in the town yesterday Matthew Biggerstaff (21), from Tandragee, was killed in a workplace accident at the Taranto construction factory in the town yesterday

The family of a young Co Armagh man who died in a workplace accident have been left "devastated" by the loss of the 21-year-old who "had the ability to light up a room".

Matthew Biggerstaff, from Tandragee, died yesterday during an incident at the Taranto construction factory in the town.

Emergency services including the Air Ambulance were called to the site on the Old Scarva Road at around 4pm.

The Health and Safety Executive NI said it had "opened enquiries" and was "working to establish the facts surrounding the occurrence".

Matthew's family described his death as "sudden and tragic", adding that he was a "much loved son, brother, grandson, cousin and nephew".

A former pupil at Tandragee Junior High and then Craigavon Senior High, in a statement, the family said Matthew had "the ability to light up a room with his bubbly personality and his smile.

"Just like any young person of 21, he loved spending time with his friends and he was a great friend to so many people".

The family said they would remember the young man "most for his smile and his hugs."

"We would like to thank everyone who has been in touch with messages of sympathy and support.

"The fact that there have been so many messages that showed how much he was loved by everyone, is a real comfort at this very difficult time".

John Stenson, Commercial Director at Taranto, described it as a "tragic accident".

"The entire company is devastated," he said.

"At this very sad time our thoughts are with the family, friends and workmates of our deceased colleague".

He added: "We will be working closely with the relevant authorities as they carry out an incident investigation.

"We will also be providing support and offering professional counselling to all Taranto employees and anyone from the community who has been affected by this tragic incident".

Independent councillor Paul Berry said there was a "massive cloud of grief" over Tandragee following the tragedy.

"I know the family well," he said.

"I was with the mother and grandmother last night to offer my sympathies. They are in deep, deep sorrow at this time and our thought and prayers are with his parents and the family".

Mr Berry said Matthew's death would also have an long-lasting "impact" on young people in the town.

"He clearly was a credit to his parents and his mates in the town here are going to greatly miss him," he said.