Parents pay tribute to son
A YOUNG student from Co Antrim has died of suspected meningitis while studying at the University of Sunderland.
Christopher McKee, 21, who was studying sports journalism, was found dead in a flat in the Pallion area of the city on March 26.
Speaking to the BBC yesterday his parents Anna and Samuel McKee, who live just outside Antrim town, said they were “absolutely devastated” and “shocked” by their son’s death.
They said: “Christopher was a quiet and considerate young man, who never made a fuss and was incredibly close to his family.
“It had always been his dream and ambition to become a sports reporter, he had such an encyclopaedic knowledge of sport and everyone used to joke that he would be the next Jackie Fullerton, the famous Northern Ireland television journalist, when he headed off to university.”
Christopher’s grieving parents added: “He was a huge Manchester United and Rangers fan and loved playing football socially.
“We will always be very proud of Christopher and what he had achieved throughout his life.”
A Sunderland University spokesperson confirmed that meningitis was being investigated as a possible cause of death and said: “We are all deeply saddened by Christopher’s death and have been offering our support to his family, friends and fellow students.
“He was very popular with his peers and his lecturers. He was an intelligent student who had a bright future ahead of him and it is tragic that his life has been cut short.”
It is understood Christopher’s friends at the university are being offered antibiotics as a precaution.
The funeral is due to take place in Kells Presbyterian Church at 12 noon today followed by internment at Connor New Cemetery.
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Weather for Belfast
Tuesday 29 May 2012
Today
Sunny spells
Temperature: 12 C to 21 C
Wind Speed: 7 mph
Wind direction: South west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 12 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 9 mph
Wind direction: South
