A Co Antrim grammar school has paid tribute to a “much loved and valued” staff member who died after reportedly falling from a height along the north coast.
The man has been named locally as Nigel Gordon from Ballymena, who worked as an art and technology technician at Ballymena Academy.
Mr Gordon, who was aged in his 60s, is understood to have been walking near Ballycastle on Sunday when the incident occurred.
A rescue operation involving the police, ambulance service and coastguard took place at around 1.45pm near Torr Head.
“Officers, together with colleagues from His Majesty’s Coastguard, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service and North West Mountain Rescue Team, worked together to reach a man aged in his 60s but sadly, he was pronounced deceased at the scene,” a PSNI spokesperson said.
Mr Gordon, who is understood to have been a keen walker and outdoor enthusiast, had worked at Ballymena Academy since 2005.
In a letter to parents of pupils at the school, principal Stephen Black described Mr Gordon as “our much loved and valued art and technology technician”.
“The pupils were told this morning during registration and assemblies, following which pupils and staff stood in silence as a mark of respect,” he said.
“Nigel will be remembered fondly by all in the Academy community for the unfailing support he provided in innumerable ways.
“We are deeply saddened by his death and he will be greatly missed by the staff, pupils and parents.”
Ballymena Academy mourns the loss of Mr Nigel Gordon. We were deeply saddened to learn yesterday of the death of Nigel...
Posted by Ballymena Academy on Monday 16 December 2024
Mr Black added: “Our thoughts are with Nigel’s family at this difficult time and the whole community sends them our sympathy and support.
“We will be considering how best to pay tribute to Nigel in due course.
“In the meantime, we are trying to keep school routines as normal as possible over the coming days, whilst allowing the pupils opportunities to talk about Nigel if they want to do so.”
In a post on social media, Grange Corner Apprentice Boys of Derry - Mitchelburne Club said Mr Gordon was an “active member” and a “friend to many for many years within the club”.
It is with deep regret we learn of the tragic sudden passing of our club member and friend Bro Nigel Gordon yesterday...
Posted by Grange Corner Apprentice Boys Of Derry - Mitchelburne Club on Monday 16 December 2024
“We remember his family and friends in prayer at this sad time,” it added.
In a statement posted online, the North West Mountain Rescue Team said: “Our thoughts and deepest condolences go out to the family, friends, and loved ones of the individual involved”.
Police do not believe Mr Gordon’s death to be suspicious.
