Funeral of Carryduff man who died in Thailand

The 21-year-old, from Alveston Park, who had been on a round the world trip, died after falling through the roof of a shopping centre at Chiang Mai. He had already travelled to New York and Costa Rica.

Stephen’s funeral took place at the Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in Carryduff on Sunday afternoon after his remains were brought home from Thailand on Friday.

The student was described by friends as someone who was loving and who loved to make people laugh.

On a Facebook page his cousin Caoimhe wrote: “He had waited so long to finally get out there and see the world – he was loving life. It is so heartening to see the wonderful things people are saying about him.

“My lasting memories of Stephen will be of a young man, ambitious, loving, happy, open and gentle, always laughing and always making people happy in his presence.”

“Safe to say Steve was without a doubt one of the nicest people to walk this planet,” wrote one friend.

“Not one bad word have I ever heard spoken about him. RIP Steve, you were a legend amongst us all.”

Another wrote: “You were an amazing person and a great friend. Always laughing and making others smile. Can’t believe you are gone.”

Other posts detailed the shock and disbelief at the student’s sudden death, with one saying: “So unbelievably shocked and saddened that we have lost an absolute gentleman.”

The fatal incident occurred when Mr Clifford fell through the roof of the Kad Suan Kaew shopping mall in the area of Chiang Mai.

Belfast Metropolitan College, where Stephen was a student, paid its respects.

It said: “We would like to extend our heartfelt condolences to his family and friends – our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”

Thai media claimed the roof over the electricity room could not hold his weight and he appeared to have fallen through it and died after falling into electrical generator machinery.

However, family and friends have rejected reports on the police investigation that the student had been drinking and was seen having separate arguments with a female friend at around 5am and then an hour later with a man.

The family also totally rejected reports that he had been trying to get inside the shopping mall.

The funeral on Sunday was officiated by Father Martin Kelly.

Interment followed at the adjoining cemetery.

Stephen is survived by his father Rory, mother Kate, sister Sian and brother Rory.

Stephen had been employed at Queen’s University Students’ Union and had been a presenter for Blast106/Blast Xtra radio station.