Mr Nigel Gordon, and the Ballymena Academy school flag
Principal of Ballymena Academy, Mr Stephen Black, has paid respect to local man Nigel Gordon who tragically died on Sunday afternoon, December 15, after falling from a height on the North Antrim coast.
Mr Gordon, a keen walker and outdoor enthusiast, is understood to have been walking in the area of Murlough Bay, near Ballycastle, when the incident occurred.
The tragedy unfolded at around 1:45 in the afternoon when police received a request for assistance with a rescue operation on the Antrim coast.
The volunteer crew of RNLI Redbay also launched to the incident at 2:26pm, assisted by His Majesty’s Coastguard. It is understood a helicopter from the Irish Coastguard was tasked to scene, alongside the North West Mountain Rescue Team.
Sadly, Mr Gordon was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Today (Monday 16 Devember) Ballymena Academy’s flag on the school grounds was flown at half-mast as mark of respect.
Writing in a letter to parents of pupils of Ballymena Academy, Principal Black described Nigel as “our much loved and valued Art and Technology Technician”.
The well-known local man had worked at the school since 2005.
“The pupils were told this morning during registration and assemblies, following which pupils and staff stood in silence as a mark of respect,” said Mr Black. “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.”
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.”
Following the tragedy, it is understood a post-mortem will be undertaken in due course, but at this time police do not believe Mr Gordon’s death to be suspicious.