Crossgar community united in tribute to victim of accident

Crossgar community united in tribute to victim of accident

16 January 2013

TRIBUTES have been paid to one of Crossgar’s most familiar faces, who died in a road traffic accident close to his home.

Eighty-eight year old Jim McCormick, described as a community “stalwart” and a “true gentleman”, passed away shortly before 10am last Wednesday close to the Westlands estate.

Two ambulances and a rapid response vehicle were sent to Downpatrick Road, which was closed for several hours. The crash involving a van is still being investigated by police.

Leading the tributes, MP Margaret Ritchie said she was “deeply saddened” to learn of the sudden and untimely death of Jim McCormick.

“Jim was a former health service work and has been a stalwart of the community in Crossgar,” she said. “His passing in such tragic circumstances will numb the entire community, many of whom would have known Jim well over the years.”

Crossgar councillor Terry Andrews said Mr. McCormick had been making his regular trip that morning for a newspaper when the accident occurred.

“He worked for many years in Purdysburn and cared his for wife, who has been ill for the last few years and worked herself as a caretaker in the old primary school in Crossgar,” said Mr. Andrews.

“Jim was very interested in the history of Crossgar and liked to chat and reminisce about the characters from the area. He used to wind up the clock every day in the old Market House and was a very active man devoted to his family and his grandchildren.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. McCormick and her family, who are very well respected in the area.”

Local councillor Maria McCarthy said: “I have had the pleasure of getting to know Jim well over the past number of years, and he was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

“Jim worked closely with my great grandfather and often regaled me with happy stories from those distant days, whenever I met him. The entire community of Crossgar is deeply, deeply saddened by this tragic news. I wish the family circle, who will be devastated by this sudden passing, every condolence at this challenging time.”

Rowallane councillors Billy Walker and William Dick also offered their condolences.

“I have known the family all my life and ran about with his son,” said councillor Walker. “My heart goes out to the family circle at this present time and assure them the whole district is thinking of them.”

Councillor Dick said Mr. McCormick was a very respected member of the community. “I offer my sympathies to the entire family at this tragic time.”

A police spokesman confirmed Mr. McCormick was the first person to die on the roads in 2013.

“Police would ask anyone who witnessed this incident or who has any information to contact Downpatrick police on 0845 600 8000.