Northern Ireland

Co Tyrone man (35) killed on quad bike named locally as David Ballantine

Police have asked anyone with information which may help their inquiries to contact them
Police have asked anyone with information which may help their inquiries to contact them Police have asked anyone with information which may help their inquiries to contact them

A man has died after a quad bike he was riding collided with a bridge close to his parents' family farm in Co Tyrone.

David Ballantine (35), who has been named locally, was injured in the collision on Gorticashel Road outside Glenhull near Greencastle in south Tyrone shortly before 7.45pm on Sunday.

He was taken to Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, but died a short time later from his injuries.

Police have asked anyone with information which may help their inquiries to contact them on 101, quoting reference number 1776 02/08/20.

Mr Ballantine lived on Liggins Road in Glenhull with his wife Diane.

Neighbours said he helped his parents Willie and Betty on their farm and also worked as a plasterer.

UUP Fermanagh and Omagh councillor Bert Wilson said Mr Ballantine had been doing farm work when he was killed.

"He hit a bridge. It was a day when there had been rain and the roads would have been slippery. It is such sad news.

"I send my condolences to the family at this time.

"I have no doubt that the community will support them in every way that we can."

UUP councillor Bert Wilson, pictured, said Mr Ballantine had been doing farm work when he was killed
UUP councillor Bert Wilson, pictured, said Mr Ballantine had been doing farm work when he was killed UUP councillor Bert Wilson, pictured, said Mr Ballantine had been doing farm work when he was killed

West Tyrone Sinn Féin MP Órfhlaith Begley said everyone is "in shock".

"Any death on our roads is one too many.

"My thoughts are with the family and friends of the man who has lost his life at this sad and tragic time."

The family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers to be sent to the Air Ambulance.

Mr Ballantine is also survived by his brother Nigel, sister Claire and their families and his grandmother Florence.