‘A lovely person inside and out’: Shane Lappin was working on home for new bride when he died in a tragic accident

Police said they attended the scene of the sudden death of a man at a property in the Madden Road area of Keady, Armagh before 3pm on Saturday. 

The death is not being treated as suspicious and the Health and Safety Executive have been informed.

Mr Lappin is survived by his wife Sarah, parents Francie and Anna and siblings Annette and Barry. The thirty-year-old worked for an agricultural feed company.

Sarah’s aunt, Majella Marron, said: ”Words cannot describe how heartbroken we all are,” she said. “They were only Married last year and had their whole lives ahead of them building their dreams and hopes for the future.”

Shane had been “a lovely person inside and out who was always there and willing to help anyone in need” she said.

The tragedy had touched so many people in the family with sorrow, she said.

“But my biggest thoughts go out to Sarah who lost her soulmate. I cannot imagine what you are going through my love.”

Political representatives from across the spectrum agreed that Mr Lappin had been well respected across the community.

SDLP Councillor Thomas O’Hanlon paid his respects with the family today.

“My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family circle at this time,” he said.

“Shane was an extremely well got young man and an extremely popular young man.

“He worked in the agricultural industry right across the community and was respected right across the community

“One employer has already paid tribute that ‘we will never see another Shane Lappin’.”

Mr O’Hanlon said he understood that a teleporter type machine was involved in the accident.

“He was building at his new home, he had only been married in September. They were just starting out in life together. It is such a tragedy, they are really decent and lovely people.”

UUP Alderman Jim Speers said he knows Shane’s father very well.

“He is a retired traffic warden from Armagh who also farmed part-time and is very involved in organising the Armagh show,” he said. “They are a very decent family and this is a real tragedy. It seems there is always a risk of accidents no matter what you are doing.”

Sinn Féin MLA Cathal Boylan said the community was “shocked” by the death.

“He was a hardworking young gentleman and came from a well known and respected family,” he said.

“We send our condolences to his wife Sarah, parents Francie and Anna and the entire family circle.”

There was an outpouring of grief in support of the family on social media last night.

“I don’t even have words for you Sarah,” said one friend of the family. “Just know my thoughts and prayers are with you and the family. I am so very sorry.”

Another paid tribute to Shane. “A true gentleman in every way,” he said. “Taken so young too soon. You will be sadly missed by all of us but never forgotten, RIP Shane.”

• Funeral details have not yet been released.

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