Farm tragedy victim Andrew Abraham had ‘a real passion’ for his profession

A dairy farmer who died in a Co Antrim farm tragedy on Thursday had a real passion for his profession, a family friend has said.
Andrew Abraham from WaringstownAndrew Abraham from Waringstown
Andrew Abraham from Waringstown

Named locally as Andrew Abraham, the father of four from Waringstown was working on his farm near Antrim when an accident occurred.

The exact circumstances are not yet known but the Health and Safety Executive NI (HSENI) is aware of the incident.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

It is understood Mr Abraham was aged 46 and the father of four children.

Ulster Unionist Craigavon councillor Kyle Savage knows the Abraham family and said his sympathies are with them at this sad time.

“It’s hard to get my head around this. We are all, the whole farming community and the wider community, are just in shock.

“I know that he loved farming and that it was a real passion,” he said.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I just can’t get over it. I’m just numb after it and feel devastated by what has happened.

“It’s all the more tragic because he has also left a young family behind, and that is going to be tough for everyone.

“But you can be sure that the farming community in the Antrim area will rally round and do what they can to help out in the coming days and beyond.

“The whole community has been left shocked and devastated by the loss of yet another valuable member of the farming community.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“I farm myself, and sometimes it is just so difficult to stay safe,” Cllr Savage added.

DUP MP Carla Lockhart said: “My heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Mr Abraham. It is impossible to fully comprehend their pain and grief at this shocking news. The family is well known, and are to the fore of everyone’s thoughts.”

Mrs Lockhart appealed to all farmers to be extra careful, and added: “This a busy time of the year on all farms whether silage going in, slurry being spread, or animals being let out to grass, we are sadly reminded again that farms are dangerous places.

“Until the HSENI complete their investigation, we will not know the full details of this accident, but I appeal to farmers to take care when working. Children are off school and no doubt keen to be out on the farm, but the farm is a workplace and we must all be careful.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Mr Abraham’s death on Thursday is the second fatal farm tragedy in Northern Ireland this year, HSENI has confirmed.

In a statement on Friday, a spokesman said: “HSENI is aware of the incident in the Antrim area yesterday, and is making enquiries.

“Our thoughts are with the deceased’s family at this tragic time.”

UUP councillor for the Muckamore area Paul Michael said has also expressed sympathy with Mr Abraham’s family.

“As a local councillor my heart goes out to the grieving family who will have been devastated by this tragic farming accident.

“They have my deepest sympathy.”