Co Armagh crash victim was 20-year-old from Dungannon

The 20-year-old was driving his red Peugeot 207 car on the Derryanvil Road when the collision took place shortly before 10am.

Many of his friends have paid emotional tributes to “an amazing lad” on social media.

Police said the driver of the plant machinery was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Councillor Johnny Buckley said there was a sense of shock in the area following the incident.

“The young man had worked for a farming contractor in the Portadown area,” he said.

“Everyone is devastated at what happened this morning. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young man and with those involved in the accident.

“They will need as much comfort as possible from the community,” the DUP representative added.

A spokesman for the NI Ambulance Service said they received a call to attend the scene at 9.45am and that a rapid response paramedic arrived to assist at 9.53am and the car driver was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.

A number of Mr James’ friends paid Facebook tributes to the popular former Greenmount Agricultural College student.

One said: “You never failed to make me laugh and smile ... you’re such an amazing lad Ashley James. I’ll never ever forget you and the memories we have shared. Til I meet you again be safe up there, I love you always.”

Another said: “Cannot believe the news I got this morning, you were such a lovely fella, always smiling & laughing and would have done anything to help someone out.”