A Co Antrim school has paid tribute to one of its staff members after he tragically passed away following a fall during a coastal hike.
Rescue services including the RNLI Redbay team and an Irish Coastguard helicopter responded to the incident in the Torr Head area on Sunday afternoon, after local man Nigel Gordon fell.
Mr Gordon was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a letter to parents and pupils of Ballymena Academy, principal Stephen Black paid tribute to Mr Gordon as “our much loved and valued Art and Technology technician.”
The letter read: “The pupils were told this morning during registration and assemblies, following which pupils and staff stood in silence as a mark of respect.
“Nigel will be remembered fondly by all in the Academy community for the unfailing support which he provided in innumerable ways.
“We are deeply saddened by his death and he will be greatly missed by the staff, pupils and parents.”
The school’s flag was flown at half-mast as a mark of respect following the news of his death. He had worked at the school for almost 20 years.
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Other tributes expressed their “profound shock and deep sadness” at the death of Mr Gordon who was known as an active hiker and outdoor enthusiast.
A social media post read: “It was with profound shock and deep sadness we learned of the accidental death on Sunday afternoon (Dec 15th) of Mr Nigel Gordon who tragically fell from a height in the area of Murlough Bay on the north Antrim coast.
“Like ourselves, he loved to take pictures highlighting the beautiful scenery throughout NI and, in our early days, he shared many of his pictures to our page.
“We would like to pay tribute to Nigel and wish to extend our heartfelt sympathy to his family circle.”
Another tribute from the Grange Corner Apprentice Boys Of Derry – Mitchelburne Club said: “It is with deep regret we learn of the tragic sudden passing of our club member and friend Bro Nigel Gordon yesterday Sunday 15th December 2024.
“Nigel was an active member of Grange Corner and a friend to many for many years within the club.
“We remember his family and friends in prayer at this sad time.”
A post-mortem is expected to take place following Mr Gordon’s passing however the death is not being treated as suspicious at this time.