Stephen Park: Tributes pour in for beloved 22-year-old who died in workplace accident - 'Stephen was a Drumderg Loyalist in the truest sense of the word'

Police received a report of the sudden death of a man aged in his 20s at premises in the Lowtown Road area of Waringstown on Thursday afternoon, 24th September.

Officers attended the scene alongside colleagues from other emergency services.

The PSNI said that ‘the death is not being treated as suspicious at this time, and the Health and Safety Executive has been informed’.

A post on Funeral Times says ‘Stephen David Robert Park’ from Aghalee died on September 24.

He is described as the ‘dearly beloved son of Alistair and Denise’ , ‘loving brother of Rachel, soon to be brother-in-law to Mark’ and ‘devoted fiancé to Rachel’.

He is further described as ‘soon to be son-in-law to Mark and Deborah, ‘much loved by Rachel’s brother Luke and sisters Rebekah and Eliza and wider family circle’.

A Service of Thanksgiving will be held in Lisburn Free Presbyterian Church on September 30 at 1pm, followed by burial in Lisburn New Cemetery Blaris Extension.

A tribute on Slurrykat says: “It is with great sadness that we pay tribute to our colleague and friend, Stephen.

"Stephen was a much-valued member of the SlurryKat Family, and we were proud to have him working alongside us. Quiet and unassuming, Stephen was a young man who earned the respect of those around him through his character and work ethic.

"Stephen had a genuine passion for welding, took great pride in his work and displayed his faith in Jesus at every opportunity.

"Above all, Stephen was a valued friend and colleague. His loss has been deeply felt throughout our entire team, and he will be very sadly missed.

"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with Stephen’s fiancée, Rachel, his parents, Alistair and Denise, his sister, Rachel, and all his family and friends at this incredibly difficult time”.

A spokesman from the HSENI said: “We can confirm that HSENI attended an incident on Thursday afternoon in the Craigavon area and that we are continuing to make enquiries”.

Meanwhile Drumderg Loyalists Flute Band, Keady's Post describes him as ‘A top class young bandsman’.

‘Words cannot describe how our band members are feeling following the tragic loss of our esteemed member and much-loved friend, Fluter Stephen Park following a tragic accident.

‘Stephen was a Drumderg Loyalist in the truest sense of the word.

‘Firstly, he was loyal to his Saviour, whom he honoured and trusted every day. He was loyal to his beloved fiancée Rachel, to his Mum, Dad, Sister and extended family, to his Church and his friendship group. Last, but by no means least, he was fiercely loyal to his fellow members of Drumderg Flute Band.

‘Stephen was committed in everything he did and quietly went about his business, attending parades, practices and band events with the minimum of fuss.

‘But above all, Stephen was an absolute gentleman. A popular gentle giant in our back row, you would always find him in the same form- a smile, a laugh and the love of God flowing through him.

‘He had that unique, unassuming nature of humility and meekness that endeared him to everyone he came into contact with.

‘You could hardly have known he was in the room at times, but he was always there, quietly playing his part and giving his unwavering commitment to the band.

‘Indeed, Stephen’s final parade with the band was in London last weekend, where he reverently stood shoulder to shoulder with his fellow bandsmen, honouring the Glorious Dead.

‘He never needed to be the loudest voice or the centre of attention to leave his mark. Stephen was dependable, genuine and loved by so many.

‘His place within our ranks and within our band family will be very sorely missed.

‘At only 22 years old, Stephen had so much of his life still ahead of him, and there are simply no words that can make sense of a loss so sudden and so difficult to comprehend.

‘Our deepest sympathies thoughts and prayers are with Stephen’s mum and dad, Alistair and Denise, his sister Rachel and her fiancé Mark, his beloved fiancée Rachel, his extended family friends, fellow band colleagues and everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

‘In the midst of such heartbreak, our assurance and comfort is in knowing that Stephen is safe in the arms of Jesus- absent from the body and present with the Lord.’

Many other bands have also extended their sympathy including Markethill District L.O.L No.10 who said: ‘The Officers and Brethren of Markethill District No.10 are heartbroken to learn of the passing of their highly esteemed young member Stephen Park.

‘Stephen was a loyal and committed member of Tullyhappy LOL 59 and we extend our deepest sympathies to his beloved Fiancée Rachel, his mother, father, sister, and the Park & Preston family circles.

‘Stephen truly lived up to all that a True Orangeman should be and will be sadly missed by all that knew him.

Psalm 34 v 18 “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart’.