THE man who died following a fatal two-vehicle accident on Thursday has been named by police as 65-year-old John Hillis from the Poyntzpass area of Co Down.
Officers are appealing for information about the crash, which occurred at around 5.45pm on the Tandragee Road at Poyntzpass.
The collision was between a red Opel van and a silver Citroen Xantia. A woman in her 30s was taken to hospital for treatment to her injuries, which were not believed to be life-threatening, police said.
DUP MLA Jim Wells said he had known Mr Hillis for many years and was “deeply saddened” by his death.
“John was a DUP councillor on Castlereagh Borough Council in the 1980s and was a loving husband of Eleanor and brother-in-law of one of my staff, Wilma McCullough,” said Mr Wells.
Armagh independent councillor Paul Berry said he learned of Mr Hillis’ death “with great regret”.
“I knew John personally and his family members, and our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this very sad time in their lives,” he said.
“John was a devoted Christian man and he was a true gentleman who lived for his wife, children and grandchildren.
“There is no doubt his tragic and sudden death will be very difficult for the family to cope with but I have no doubt their strong faith will help them through in the days ahead.
“No words will be enough at this time when a widow, children and grandchildren have lost such a special person, but they can rest assured of the community’s prayers.”
Police are asking anyone with information to contact Armagh police station on 0845 600 8000.
Comments