Death of 'wonderful little character'
A CO Down community has rallied around the devastated family of six-year-old Stuart Wilson.
The young Rathfriland boy died in the Royal Victoria Hospital yesterday after being hit by a powerboat at Cranfield beach on Monday.
Family and friends spilled out of the doors of St John's Church of Ireland as a special prayer vigil was held in the town last night.
Rev David Somerville read out a statement from the little boy's devastated family, in which he described Stuart, who played junior football for Rathfriland, as a popular boy within the tight-knit community.
The tragic accident occurred when he was kneeling on a wakeboard while being towed by a boat. A powerboat, which was heading out to sea, struck him. After being rushed to Daisy Hill Hospital, he was transferred to the Royal where he was critically ill with head injuries before he passed away yesterday.
Stuart, who had been due to start back at Iveagh Primary School this week, had been holidaying with his family at Shanlieve caravan park.
Stuart, who had been due to start back at Iveagh Primary School this week, had been holidaying with his family at Shanlieve caravan park.
The heartbreaking accident sparked an outcry about the safety of children at the blue flag beach near Kilkeel, but Newry and Mourne Council said in a statement that the crash took place outside its 250m long "safe swim zone".
A spokeswoman for the PSNI said no one has been arrested following the incident but that police are continuing to investigate and would appeal for any witnesses to come forward and contact detectives.
Stuart's funeral will take place on Saturday at St John's Church of Ireland in Rathfriland.
He is survived by his parents Gary and Heather as well as brother Gareth and sisters Ashleen and Hannah.
Ulster Unionist MLA John McCallister said the whole community was "numb with grief and sadness".
"It is horrendously sad for the whole area, hopefully the support of the community will be of some comfort to the family at this terrible time for them."
South Down DUP MLA Jim Wells said people from all backgrounds had been praying for Stuart.
"We had all hoped the news would be better," he said.
"I know the whole community in Rathfriland would gather around to support the family at this difficult time. I was very sad to hear this news."
South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said: "The entire community has been hoping and praying for good news ever since this terrible tragedy occurred.
"Sadly, the worst fears were realised when news broke that young Stuart had died.
"Words are very difficult to come by when something like this happens and I'm sure no words are consolation to the loving family and close friends, but on behalf of those I represent, who I know have been praying and hoping for a better outcome, I would like to offer my deepest and most sincere sympathies."
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Weather for Belfast
Monday 28 May 2012
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Temperature: 12 C to 24 C
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