London: A professional rugby player died with his brother and father after they all fell into a slurry pit while trying to rescue a dog, it is believed. Ulster Rugby star Nevin Spence, 22, his brother Graham, 30, and sister Emma were overcome by fumes as they tried to save their father Noel, 52, from the tank on the family farm in Co. Down, Northern Ireland.
It is understood that Noel Spence had been attempting to rescue a dog from the tank when he slipped in himself. The others fell in when they went to help. The three men died and Emma was taken to hospital, where she was said to be in a stable condition today after being treated for the effects of fume inhalation.
Precisely how the tragedy unfolded remains unclear, but Sky News reported that a dog was involved. The Health and Safety Executive is to investigate the circumstances and establish a clearer picture of what happened.
According to the Daily Mail report, Sports stars including golfer Rory McIlroy have paid tribute to the rugby player, who had been tipped to enjoy a glittering international career. Emergency crews went to the farm in Drumlough Road outside Hillsborough, Co Down, shortly after 6pm on Saturday following reports that four people had fallen into the slurry pit.
Two of the men were declared dead at the scene but rescue workers managed to pull a man and a woman from the tanker.
Doctors were unable to save the man. He initially responded well to resuscitation and was taken to the nearby Lagan Valley Hospital in Lisburn, but was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
Emma Spence was today being treated in the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast. Ms Spence is an artist whose work includes portraits of Ulster players. At least one firefighter dived into the slurry tank to attempt a rescue, and he was being treated for potential illness last night.
In a statement Spence's management company, Cornerflag Management, said: 'It was with great sadness and deep regret that we learned of the sudden and tragic passing of Nevin, his father Noel and brother Graham in an accident on their family farm on Saturday afternoon.
'Our thoughts and prayers are with the Spence family at this extremely sad time.'
Spence was a member of the Ulster Rugby squad that reached the European Heineken Cup final last season. He had also represented Ireland at under-20 level.
A statement released by the rugby club read: 'It was with profound sadness that Ulster Rugby learned of the tragic death of Nevin Spence, a much-loved and talented member of the Ulster squad.
'Ulster Rugby also wishes to express its deep sorrow at the death of Nevin's father Noel and brother Graham.' Chief executive Shane Logan added: 'I am deeply saddened by this tragic news.
'Nevin was a wonderful player but also a wonderful person. He was well liked by everyone who knew him and his loss will be deeply felt by his team-mates and everyone at Ulster Rugby.
'He will be sorely missed and the thoughts of everyone involved in the game are with his family at this time.'
Irish Rugby Football Union president Billy Glynn also expressed his condolences. A statement from Glynn released by the IRFU read: 'This is a terrible tragedy that has struck the Spence family and the thoughts of everybody in Irish Rugby are with them at this time.
'Nevin was an outstanding young player which was evident from his progression through the representative ranks and the game has been robbed of a very talented young man.
'On behalf of Irish Rugby, I would like to offer our heartfelt support to the family, friends and team-mates of Nevin during this difficult time.'
McIlroy, golf’s world number one, wrote on his Twitter account: 'Just heard the tragic news of Nevin Spence and his family. Makes you cherish every day you have on this Earth.'
A fellow Northern Irish sportsman, snooker professional Mark Allen, added: 'What a loss for the family and for ulster and Irish rugby!! In shock here!!'
Former boxer Barry McGuigan wrote: 'Tragic news about Nevin Spence and his family, in County Down Northern Ireland. My deepest heart felt sympathy to his family.'
Northern Ireland First Minister Peter Robinson said on Twitter: ‘Deeply saddened to hear of the tragedy in Hillsborough this evening. My thoughts and prayers are with family at this time of devastation.’
Tributes appeared on Twitter feeds representing both the British and Irish Lions and the RaboDirect Pro12, the league in which Ulster play.
The Lions post read: 'All our thoughts are with the family and friends of Ulster centre Nevin Spence, his father and brother. Reportedly died in accident.'
The post on the Pro12 account read: 'Shocked. We just read about Nevin Spence. RIP. There are no words.'
Rugby players past and present also posted messages in tribute to Spence, who had played a match for Ulster Ravens less than 24 hours before the tragedy.
Spence’s Ulster team-mate, fly-half Ian Humphreys, wrote: 'Devastated to hear the news about Nevin Spence and his brother and dad. Prayers with all his family... RIP Nev, you’ll never be forgotten...'
Former Ireland and Munster hooker Jerry Flannery added: 'Terrible news on Nevin Spence, his Brother and their Dad. Offering up prayers for their family and friends, unbelievably sad.'
Former Wales winger Shane Williams tweeted: 'My thoughts and prayers go out to the family of Nevin Spence. A tragic loss. A class act on the field also. RIP.'
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS) said it responded to a 999 call at about 6.15pm following reports that at least three people had fallen into a slurry tank.
It said it immediately sent three rapid response paramedics, four accident and emergency vehicles and an ambulance service doctor to the scene.
The Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service also attended and rescued four people from the slurry pit.
A spokesman for the ambulance service said: ‘Three were unconscious and NIAS paramedics commenced resuscitation efforts immediately assisted by other ambulance personnel.
UFU president Harry Sinclair said: 'On behalf of all our members, I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family involved.
'This news has shocked the farming community. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the three men who have so tragically lost their lives.
'We understand that a fourth member of the family has been hospitalised and we pray that they will make a full recovery.'
The Spence family farm is just nine miles from another farm where a man died in a similar tragedy only two months ago. William McMillan, who was married with two children, died after falling into a slurry tank and becoming trapped.
Slurry is a mixture of cow manure and water and is stored in large tankers until it is ready to be used as fertiliser. Nevin, a committed Christian as well as a talented sportsman, could play on the wing or in the centre and was considered a future Ireland star.
