Community heartbroken as 'precious and adored' two-year-old boy dies after being hit by tractor on farm
BALLYMONEY, NORTHERN IRELAND: A two-year-old boy died after being hit by a tractor at a farm in Northern Ireland. The devastating tragedy that happened on Friday, November 11, at Rose Park Farm, close to Ballymoney, claimed the life of Noah McAleese. Paramedics were called to the scene and transported the toddler to Causeway Hospital in County Londonderry. However, McAleese was declared dead a short time later.
The death of the toddler has left Dunloy and Ballymoney community heartbroken. The Health and Safety Executive and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) are currently conducting an investigation into the toddler's "sudden death." Family, friends and local councillors have been expressing their sympathies while describing the news as devastating, as per The Sun.
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A gut-wrenching post by the McKiernans Funeral Directors read, "We regret to inform you of the tragic passing of Noah Shea McAleese RIP. Precious son of Johnny and Corrina and adored brother of Cohen. Beloved grandson of Seamus and Betty and Kieran and the late Rosemary Cassidy. Adored and never forgotten by the entire McAleese and Cassidy family circle."
DUP councilor Mervyn Storey from Ballymoney said the boy's family was devastated. "Words are hard to find in commenting on this tragic incident that has resulted in the death of a little two-year-old boy," Storey reportedly said, adding, "It is incalculable the sorrow that this family has been plunged into." As a grandfather himself, he claimed that when he heard about the tragedy, he said "how unbearable it would be to have to deal with such grief". "Our thoughts and prayers are with the immediate family and the wider family circle at this time of sorrow and loss and assure them of our sympathy and support," he added.
Local Ulster Unionist Councillor Darryl Wilson said that the tragedy had left the neighborhood heartbroken. He wrote on social media, "As news emerges tonight of a terrible tragedy in our town, an entire community's heart is broken. No words can express how we are feeling, our collective heart's, thoughts and prayers go out to all of those impacted by this devastating loss. Can I extend my personal and heartfelt sympathies to this family who I have got to know well over the years. During this period of unimaginable grief and heartache I have no doubt the family will support each other, and can rely on the support of the entire community."
A local Gaelic football club, where McAleese's father Johnny formerly played, paid tribute to the little boy's loved ones. The GAA reportedly said, "Everyone at Dunloy GA+CC was deeply saddened to hear the tragic news yesterday of the sudden passing of Noah McAleese. Noah is the son of our former player Johnny and his wife Corrina. We offer our thoughts and prayers to the entire McAleese and Cassidy family circles at this very sad time."
A spokesperson for the Northern Ireland Ambulance service said, “The Northern Ireland Ambulance service received a 999 call at 12.32 on Friday 11 November, following reports of a farm incident in Ballymoney. NIAS despatched a Rapid Response Emergency Paramedic, an Emergency Crew and an Ambulance Officer to the incident. Following assessment, the patient was taken to Causeway Hospital.”
A PSNI spokeswoman said, "The Police Service of Northern Ireland are liaising with the Health and Safety Executive Northern Ireland (HSE NI) and Environmental Health from the Causeway Coast and Glens Council to investigate the circumstances surrounding the sudden death of a two-year-old boy in the Bravallen Road area of Ballymoney."