Tributes to 20-year-old killed in crash

The scene of the fatal crash on the Derryanvil Road in which a 20-year-old man died.

He was Ashley James from the Clonmore Road in Dungannon.

The 20-year-old was driving a red Peugeot 207 car on the rural road just outside Portadown when the collision took place shortly before 10am.

The driver of the plant machinery was treated at the scene for minor injuries.

Many of his friends have been paying tribute to him on social media, calling him a “lovely fella” and “an amazing lad”.

The Mayor, Councillor Darryn Causby said the accident had sent shockwaves through the local community and he offered his condolences to the family and friends of the young man who died.

He said, “It’s a tragic accident. I spoke to some of the residents in the area and they are shocked at what has happened. This is a quiet part of the town and a rural area.

“It is an unbearable thing for any family to have to go through.”

Councillor Johnny Buckley also spoke of the sense of shock in the area. He said, “The young man had worked for a farming contractor in the Portadown area.

“Everyone is devastated at what happened. My thoughts and prayers are with the family of the young man and with those involved in the accident.

“They will need as much comfort as possible from the community.”

A spokesman for the NI Ambulance Service said they received a call to attend the scene at 9.45am and that a rapid response paramedic arrived to assist at 9.53am and the car driver was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital.

A Northern Ireland Fire & Rescue Service spokesperson said they received a call at 9.47am and two appliances from Portadown Fire Station and one from Lurgan Fire Station were deployed to the scene.

A number of Mr James’ friends paid Facebook tributes to the popular former Greenmount Agricultural College student.

One said, “You never failed to make me laugh and smile ... you’re such an amazing lad Ashley James. I’ll never ever forget you and the memories we have shared. Til I meet you again be safe up there, I love you always.”

Another said, “Cannot believe the news I got this morning, you were such a lovely fella, always smiling & laughing and would have done anything to help someone out.”