Tributes have been paid to a man who died in a car crash on the way to hospital to see his newborn son.
Phillip Rainey, 21, from Omagh, Co Tyrone, passed away on Wednesday following a single-car collision on the M1 motorway near Dungannon.
A former pupil of Omagh Academy, it said he was a popular member of the school community, adding: “It is with deep sadness that we learn of the death of our former pupil Phillip Rainey. We remember Phillip as a happy and caring pupil who always had a large smile on his face.
“He was someone who always brought a sense of fun to any situation, and he will be greatly missed by our whole school community.”
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Phillip was the grandson of local UUP councillor Allan Rainey, and party leader Doug Beattie sent his sympathies to his loved ones. He said: “On behalf of the UUP I offer my sincere condolences to the Rainey family following Phillip’s tragic death.”
Rugby club Omagh Accies RFC, where Phillip had been a player, said Phillip “played his heart out” every time he took to the field.
They added: “It is with deep regret we learn of the death of Phillip Rainey. Gone far too soon and an absolute gentleman. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Rainey & McKeown families and all his friends. May he rest in peace.”
Sgt Amanda McIvor added: “Police received a report at around 10.40am, that a white BMW 520 car had left the east-bound carriageway of the motor-way, near the Stangmore junction.
“Emergency services attended but Phillip sadly died at the scene as a result of his injuries.”
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