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Young Co Armagh man (25) who died in the US was " always looking out for other people"

Co Armagh man, Philip Hagan, who passed away suddenly in Philadelphia
Co Armagh man, Philip Hagan, who passed away suddenly in Philadelphia Co Armagh man, Philip Hagan, who passed away suddenly in Philadelphia

A 25-year-old Co Armagh man who died suddenly in the US has been described as someone who was "always looking out for other people".

Philip Hagan, who was from Tynan, was found dead by emergency services on Saturday evening, after they gained entry to his flat in Philadelphia's Marine Club Condominiums.

The former deputy head boy at The Royal School Dungannon had been living in Philadelphia for the past two years but had been due to fly home to Northern Ireland this weekend to spend Christmas with his family.

It is understood the alarm was raised by Mr Hagan's work colleagues in the US after he failed to arrive for his work as an actuary at Cigna Health Care.

Having graduated in actuarial science from Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, Mr Hagan found a job with Cigna after impressing the firm during an internship.

Philip's brother, Dr Jonathan Hagan told the Ulster Gazette that a post-mortem examination had taken place but the cause of death had still not been determined.

"When his work colleagues contacted us to say he didn't show into work on Friday, that set alarm bells ringing," he said.

"He was such an intelligent, friendly young man who had his whole life ahead of him. He was very close to the family and was due to come home for Christmas on December 16".

Dr David Burnett, Headmaster at The Royal School Dungannon, described Mr Hagan as "an absolute star".

"He was always looking out for other people, he was mature and helpful, selfless, responsible and acted with integrity," he said.

"He was an absolute star, the kind of pupil you remember for all the right reasons".