Caretaker dies in quarry accident

Coleraine High School Prinicpal, Mrs Anne Bell described Mr Kane as her ‘right hand man’.

Paying tribute, she said: “Albert was my right hand man, we met first thing in the morning, and then last thing at night before we locked up. He will be missed by the whole school community.

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“He never made a decision without running it past me first.

“He was really well liked by both staff and pupils, and I know that the sixth form girls thought alot of him.”

Mrs Bell said that Mr Kane’s eldest daughter was a pupil at Coleraine High School.

Many Coleraine High School pupils have been paying tribute to the caretaker via social media sites.

Samuel Cole, a DUP councillor in Coleraine who sits on the school’s board of governors, said Albert will be missed.

“He was a very reliable worker and was loved by everyone,” he said. “We are shocked and saddened at his sudden death and want to extend our sympathy to his family circle.

“He was really appreciated at the school. He was such a big part of the school and everyone looked to him if they had any problems. I’m sure his family are devastated by his death.”

A spokesman for the PSNI confirmed that the Health and Safety Executive had been made aware of the incident and an investigation had been launched.

MLA for East Londonderry and former pupil of Coleraine High School, Claire Sugden has also paid tribute to Mr Kane.

“I am saddened to hear of the passing of Albert Kane. I didn’t know Mr Kane as a former pupil, but younger friends remember him fondly. He was clearly held in the highest regard by both students and teachers and will be very sadly missed. My sincere thoughts and prayers go out to Mr Kane’s family, friends, colleagues and indeed all who knew him.”