PSNI warning on quarries after tragic death of a father-of-three in Magherafelt

Ronan Hawthorne, 37, died at Hogg’s Quarry on the Tobermore Road, Magherafelt on Sunday, May 19.

His sister Diane Burke has appealed for people to stop using the quarry, after seeing people still jumping into the water since her brother died.

In the wake of the tragedy, the PSNI expressed concern about people using quarries.

A PSNI spokesperson said: “We cannot stress enough how dangerous it is to enter a quarry site without even considering getting into water there. Not only are those who illegally enter these areas breaking the law through incidents of trespass and criminal damage but they are also putting themselves at risk.

“Quarries are extremely dangerous sites with any number of hazards present. You should not be on the grounds of a quarry unless properly educated and equipped to deal with the dangers.

“We would urge parents to make their children aware of these dangers and to make sure they know where their children are and that, ultimately, they are safe.”

The NI Direct website says water in quarries can be exceptionally cold as they are so deep, causing people to go into shock if they jump in.

Mr Hawthorne died after entering the water in hot weather on Sunday. The father of three had used the quarry on sunny days for years, including on the previous weekendy.

“A lot of people from Magherafelt use the quarry,” his sister Diane Burke told the News Letter.

“On the day there were kayakers in the water, and it is used quite a bit by the general public.

"Ronan was with two friends on Sunday when he went into the water at about 4pm. He jumped in and didn’t come up again.

"The two guys who were with him did what they could.”

Ms Burke said: “There are still people using it and drinking there and jumping off that pier. I was angry that they are still out there.

"I know they think the quarry is safe but I would ask them to stop.”

Ronan’s death is the subject of a Health and Safety Executive investigation.

Requiem Mass was held at the Church of our Lady of the Assumption in Magherafelt on Thursday.