Pensioner laid to rest after a three-car pile-up

William McCurdy, from Ballinlea, near Ballintoy, was involved in the collision on the Moyarget Road, close to his home.

Five other people were treated for injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.

Mr McCurdy (76), who spent most of his adult life in Wales, lost his wife to cancer eight years ago, it is understood.

Moyle UUP councillor Joan Baird, who lives two miles from Mr McCurdy’s bungalow spoke to his relatives following the tragedy

“William comes from the area, as has his family for generations before him,” she said. “He worked in England for most of his life and came home to retire about 10 years ago.

“His wife died about a year after they returned home which was very hard for him. But William lived on in the area. His brother lived quite close to him.”

Expressing her “deepest sympathy to the McCurdy family”, Mrs Baird said: “It looks like there was a possibility he became ill in the car and lost control of the car. I heard that from a relative this evening, a cousin of his.

“They think there is a possibility it could have been a heart attack. One of the other cars involved was being driven by Spanish people on holiday.

“He will be deeply missed by everyone in the area. This has come as a great shock to us all. William was a very nice, outgoing man who enjoyed social events. He was a great ballroom dancer and a great socialiser.”

Mr McCurdy — who is believed to have had a number of children including a son, Robert, who lives in Banbridge — comes from a well-known family in the Ballycastle area.

Independent councillor for Moyle Seamus Blaney said he wanted to extend his condolences to Mr McCurdy’s family.

“This will have come as a terrible shock for his family,” he added.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or who has any information is asked to contact police at Ballycastle on 0845 600 8000.

* Mr McCurdy was buired yesterday (Sunday).