Tributes have been paid to a tragic bonfire builder who died after falling from a bonfire in Larne.
John Steele has been named locally as the bonfire builder who died following the accident at the Antiville bonfire site off Linn Road in the town.
His death has "brought a dark cloud" over the Antiville community in Larne who have expressed their condolences to his family and said they are all deeply saddened by his loss.
Read more: Man dies after 'falling from bonfire' in Larne
The Antiville Bonfire builders issued a statement on social media today saying: "This is a post none of us has ever wanted to write.
"Last night one of our very own had a tragic accident at the Bonfire and unfortunately passed away.
"We are obviously deeply saddened by this loss of a young life.
"John was a true Antivillian through and through born and bred, a dark cloud has certainly risen over the Antiville estate today.
"Our deepest and sincere condolences are sent from our hearts to his entire family circle at this heartbreaking time.
"Please give the family their time and privacy at this obviously hard time for them.
"Gone But Not Forgotten."
John Stewart, Ulster Unionist MLA for East Antrim, has expressed his condolences to the family of a man who died after falling from the Antiville bonfire in Fairway in Larne.
Mr Stewart said: “This is absolutely tragic news and my thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the man’s family, friends and the entire community at this really difficult time.
“This was a terrible accident and the local community will rally round to give the family as much support as possible.
“I would appeal to everyone to cooperate with the investigation into what happened.”
East Antrim MLA Stewart Dickson said: "Sad news from Larne as a young man died after falling from a 11th night bonfire being built in Antiville. My deepest sympathy goes to his family and friend and the whole community as it reflects on this tragic death."
The neighbouring bonfire builders at Craigyhill said: "It is with deepest sympathy the tragedy that happened tonite to a fellow bonfire builder in the Antiville estate in Larne.
"It is with his family wishes that the Craigyhill bonfire carries on and beats the world record in his memory!
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family circle."
Craigyhill Presbyterian Church Minister Ben Preston said following the tragedy: "Just home from the Antiville bonfire in front of the church, the scene of a tragic death this evening. As a church, our deepest condolences are with the family and community of Antiville and Craigyhill. Our thanks go to the Ambulance Service, PSNI, and Fire & Rescue Service for their work tonight.
"Let us remember Psalm 23 "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me."
"Flowers can be left on our church fence, you'll be welcome to join us for worship at 11am, and in the afternoon we'll open a drop-in for the community to come and chat or pray, or just have a cup of tea. We'll be here for you tomorrow."
People across Northern Ireland have sent their condolences to the grieving community in Larne.
Tagit Tullycarnet in East Belfast said: " Heartfelt sympathy sent to the families of a Bonfire builder in Larne (Antiville Bonfire) who has tragically passed away last night at the bonfire. So sad."
While those from the Old Mossley Community Bonfire in Newtownabbey said: "Old mossley bonfire would like to pass on its deepest sympathy to the family of a fellow bonfire builder in Larne after the unfortunate tragedy that happened tonight in the Antiville estate in Larne.
"Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends at this time.
"Please be aware that if you are building or attending a bonfire they are dangerous. Please ensure that you are building them in a safe way as possible and/or be aware of how close you are standing as it's lit. We have unfortunately already lost one life too soon, we do not need another."
Those building the Ballycraigy Bonfire in Antrim said: "We would like pass our deepest condolences to the family circle and friends of the young man who passed away tragically at the Antiville Bonfire.
"Our thoughts and Prayers are with them."
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