A man who was seriously injured during a workplace electrocution incident in Keady earlier this month has sadly passed away.
Co Armagh roofer Gareth ‘Paddy’ Richardson was placed in an induced coma following the accident on the Annvale Road, on the morning of Friday, January 10.
The father-of-four died as a result of his injuries on Wednesday, January 22.
Funeral arrangements for Mr Richardson are to be made later.
A death notice for the Portadown native states that he died “peacefully in the Royal Victoria Hospital”.
It adds that he was the “loving and devoted husband of Sarah, adored daddy of Travis, Ella-Marie, Jorgie and Bradley, cherished son of Ann and the late George, treasured brother of Nigel (Julie) and Darren (Dorothy) also a much loved uncle of Jake, Becky and Curtis”.
Family also expressed their thanks to the staff of Willowbank Surgery in Keady, the Ambulance Service, Rapid Response Team and the staff of the Royal Victoria Hospital ICU.
Taking to social media on Wednesday night, Mr Richardson’s employer, David Jameson Roofing Services Ltd, said: “Thank you for your prayers for our colleague Gareth ‘Paddy’ Richardson but it is with a heavy heart that we share the sad news that Gareth has sadly passed away this evening.
“Paddy was a great character, very pleasant, thoughtful and took great pride in his work. He would never pass you when out or at the football. Simply put, a gentleman!
“Our thoughts are with Gareth’s wife Sarah, his children, family and friends.”
Portadown Football Club, of which Mr Richardson was an avid fan, also paid tribute.
In a statement, the club posted: “Everyone at Portadown FC is devastated to learn of the passing of Gareth Richardson.
“We pass on our heartfelt sympathies to Gareth’s Wife, Children, Mother, Brothers & the whole Richardson family circle at this sad time & ask that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.”
Mr Richardson had also been a former player of Rectory Rangers FC, who said: “Everyone at Rectory Rangers are devastated to learn of the passing of former player and friend of many at the Club”.
“Paddy was just Paddy to us all,” they added. “The word ‘Legend’ gets thrown about all too often, but he truly was a legend to all that had the pleasure of knowing him.
“The Club would like to pass on our condolences to Paddy’s wife Sarah and Children, and his Mum Ann and brothers Mill and Darren at this difficult time.
“Our hearts are sore today.”
Emergency services, including police, ambulances and fire fighters, attended the scene of the electrocution in Keady shortly before 10am on January 10.
Images on social media also showed the charity air ambulance landing at the incident.