A COMMUNITY IN MOURNING

RATHFRILAND came to a standstill on Saturday as shops and businesses closed and hundreds of people lined the streets in silent and tearful tribute to six-year-old Stuart Wilson.
By The Newsroom
Published 10th Sep 2010, 13:20 BST

The popular Iveagh Primary School pupil lost his battle for life last Thursday at the Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast, after suffering severe head injuries in a freak accident at Cranfield beach three days earlier.

He had been enjoying his last day of summer, having fun in the sea, when he was struck by a speedboat while being towed on a wake board.

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Mourners at the packed funeral service at St John's Parish Church heard Stuart's minister, the Rev David Somerville, describe a bright and lively little boy with an insatiable zest for life; "a wee treasure" who stood out in a crowd and who touched the lives of all who knew him.

A statement issued earlier by the Wilson family spoke of their "devastation", but said they were glad their last memories were of Stuart doing something he loved.

Earlier that day Stuart had enjoyed a boat ride to Carlingford Lough on a family friend's boat and Mr Somerville said he loved anything to do with water - whether it was boating or getting a ride on the back of a Jet-ski .

Full coverage in this week's Leader.

Related topics:Stuart WilsonCommunityRathfrilandRoyal Victoria HospitalBelfast