‘Lifelong friend’ pays tribute after Storm Desmond claims Plattermen singer ‘Simon Scott’

Vinny O’Donnell, who has known Ivan all his life said his loss has shook the entire community.

Ivan, who performed under the name Simon Scott, grew up in Dungannon but more recently lived in Caledon.

He became a victim of Storm Desmond as he drove home after a Sunday night gig in Glaslough, county Monaghan, to his county Tyrone home.

Gardai in Monaghan said Ivan was reported missing at around 8am Monday morning, and after a search operation, they sadly found his body at 11.25am at Corraghdown.

A Sergeant at the station said it appeared Ivan’s his car had become trapped in flood waters in a dip on a minor road between Glaslough and Caledon.

And that when he got out he was swept away by the force of the flood.

Found some 10m away, Ivan was pronounced dead at the scene, but a postmortem examination is due to take place today.

Speaking about the loss of his friend, Vinny said: “Ivan will be sadly missed. I had known him a lifetime. We were born and reared in Dungannon and came up through the show-band scene together.

“He was a lifelong friend and I always respected his professionalism. He was a great entertainer and performer.”

Many have also paid tribute to Ivan online, while other reminisced about nights they heard him performing.

“Very sad news,” said one fan, “I heard him sing in the Glenavon a few months ago - fantastic singer, thoughts are with his family at this sad time.”

Another added: “Rest in peace Simon Scott - a lovely gentleman - will be sadly missed.”

Others extended their sympathies to his family on hearing “the awful news”.