There has been more tragedy on Northern Ireland’s roads with three separate road deaths confirmed in the last 48 hours, including a teenager.
Police confirmed 18-year-old Daniel McCallister died in hospital on Wednesday, three days after a two-vehicle collision in Markethill.
Meanwhile the deaths were also confirmed of 49-year-old Robert Lee and 70-year-old Richard Maze.
Widespread tributes have been paid to Mr McCallister, whose blue Volkswagen Jetta was involved in a crash with a blue Volkswagen Touran.
The other driver remains in a critical condition in hospital.
The McCallister family were well-known in the Armagh area and TUV councillor Keith Ratcliffe was among those to offer condolences.
“It’s absolutely shocking news,” he said.
“I live only a mile and a half from the family and my heart goes out to them. Daniel was only 18 and I have children myself, it must be absolutely unbearable.
“The McCallister family are extremely well thought of in the area and this is just such a heartbreaking tragedy.
“I want to send my sympathies and condolences to all the McCallisters and I’m sure the whole community will rally round them at this very difficult time.”
Daniel McCallister died form injuries sustained in the crash on Sunday (Family handout/PSNI/PA)
Several members of the family went to Markethill High School, which also paid tribute.
Principal Colin Berry and vice principal Sarah Hargan said: “On behalf of the entire Markethill High School family, we wish to extend our deepest sympathies to the McCallister family following the loss of their dear son and brother, Daniel, who left us in 2022.
“The McCallister family are extremely well known in this area and there is much sadness and shock within the local community.
Independent unionist councillor Paul Berry added: “I would know Daniel’s father very well and the family is highly regarded and respected around here. “It has just come as a huge shock and everyone is praying for them. To lose anyone is a tragedy, but to lose someone so young, just at the start of their life, is incredibly sad.”
His funeral service will take place in St John’s Parish Church, Mullabrack, on Sunday at 2.30pm, followed by a private committal in the adjoining churchyard.
Richard Maze, who died following a crash in Co Fermanagh, has been described as a “fire industry titan” by his former boss.
He died while riding his motorcycle in the Boa Island Road area of Belleek on Thursday afternoon.
A 70-year-old man was later arrested and charged with dangerous driving.
Richard Maze who died following a hit-and-run in Co Fermanagh
A keen motorcyclist and wildlife enthusiast, Mr Maze, from Lisburn, was a noted member of Northern Ireland’s Fire and Rescue Service and had been with them for more than 30 years.
During his time in the organisation, he served as Divisional Fire and Safety Officer for the entirety of Northern Ireland, while a career in fire safety consultancy took him all over the UK, as well as Africa and the Falkland Islands.
He was best known for leading the review into the Stormont fire in 1995, which completely destroyed the debating chamber and caused hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of damage.
His work handling the response to the fire led him to create the Northern Ireland Crown Inspection Team, which examined the fire safety of government buildings and helped write the Fire Safety Standards for Northern Ireland. Mr Maze through his expertise also contributed to fire service projects across the UK, including being a member of the fire service risk assessors register which led him to work on the review of high rise buildings in the UK following the Grenfell Tower disaster.
“Richard was at the top of his game, and a huge loss to us,” said Joseph Birt, the managing director of Fire Risk Solutions Northern Ireland , where Mr Maze worked as a fire safety consultant.
“It’s a cliche, but when Richard walked into the room, he lit it up. He was such a positive person, with a spring in a step. He never seemed to have a bad day and was a great person to be around.
“He was a mentor, he loved sharing his vast knowledge with the team, he was a titan in the fire safety industry and they are the people who today are very broke about this news.
“Richard was also an avid motorcyclist, he loved riding his bike. Every year he would take himself on trips all across Europe, including touring the Alps.
“He will be missed dearly and is a huge loss to the community.”
Police also confirmed Robert Lee from the Ballymoney area died following a crash on the Frosses Road shortly before 11.20pm on Thursday.
49-year-old Robert Lee who died in a crash on Thursday evening close to Ballymena
PSNI Roads Inspector Cherith Adair said: “Officers attended a report of a collision involving a Scania lorry and a silver Honda Civic, together with colleagues from partner emergency services.
“The driver of the car, 49-year-old Robert Lee, who was from the Ballymoney area, sadly passed away at the scene.”