Tributes to trainee mechanic killed in tractor accident

Tributes have been paid to a young trainee mechanic killed in an accident involving a tractor.

Neil Graham, died after the accident at a farm in County Fermanagh on Tuesday (22 May).

Emergency services were sent to Boho Road in Springfield, Enniskillen following a 999 call at 2.39pm. An air ambulance was also dispatched.

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Paramedics treated Mr Graham for his injuries, but they could not save him and he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 17-year-old had been a studying as a trainee mechanic at Portora Royal School, in Enniskillen.

‘He loved the outdoors’

Paying tribute, Mark Ovens told the Belfast Telegraph his cousin was a “typical Fermanagh young farm hand” who loved his home of Garrison.

“He was brilliant, really witty and very popular. Everyone thought the world of him,” Mr Ovens said.

He said the teenager was a “typical mischievous 17-year-old” who owned a pet goat and pet chickens.

“He loved where he lived, he loved the outdoors and he loved getting his hands dirty,” he added.

“He was a typical Fermanagh young farmhand who worked on the family farm. He and his father Eddie were very close. Neil was the youngest of four children.”

‘In our prayers’

DUP leader and Fermanagh and South Tyrone Member of the Legislative Assembly Arlene Foster sent her condolences to the family.

“This is immensely sad news for the Garrison community. This was a well-known, young man with his life in front of him who had died in very tragic circumstances,” said Mrs Foster.

“Our thoughts turn to Neil’s family who are mourning the loss of their son.

“They will feel the pain of his loss most acutely and they are very much in our prayers in the days and weeks ahead. Garrison is a close-knit area and I have no doubt the community will give help and support to the family as they grieve Neil’s loss.”

The Health and Safety Executive in Northern Ireland is investigating the circumstances surrounding Mr Graham’s death.

Mr Graham is survived by his parents Edward and Joy, his brother Jonathan and his sisters Cherith and Rebecca. His funeral will take place on Friday (25 May) at Garrison Parish Church followed by burial in the adjoining graveyard.