Watch more of our videos on Shots!
and live on Freeview channel 276

Stuart Sloan, a married father of two children from Islandmagee, had a long association with the Carrickfergus-based Ulster Grenadiers Flute Band and was recently a member of East Belfast Protestant Boys’ Flute Band.

Police confirmed Mr Sloan died at the scene after his motorcycle collided with two other vehicles on the east Antrim village’s Hillhead Road.

Inspector Colin Ash said: “Shortly before 1.35pm, it was reported to police that a Citroën Berlingo, a Ford C-Max car and a motorbike were involved in the collision. Tragically, the motorcyclist died at the scene following his injuries.”

Stuart Sloan was a former member of the Ulster Grenadiers Flute Band.

Police have urged anyone with information about the fatal collision to contact officers on 101, quoting reference 912 26/02/21.

Mr Sloan, who was the husband of Joanne and dad to Karson and Mila, was remembered by band colleagues across the province.

Posting on Facebook, a spokesperson for the Ulster Grenadiers Flute Band. said: “Stuart was a member of the Ulster Grenadiers for many years and was one of the main characters throughout his time in the band.

“A wee gentleman who will be sorely missed by his wife and two wee children he was devoted to. Our hearts go out to his family.

“We have a wee saying ‘once a Gren always a Gren’ and Stuart provided us with plenty of good and funny memories which will last forever.”

A spokesperson for East Belfast Protestant Boys’ Flute Band said: “The officers and members of the Protestant Boys, East Belfast wish to express our most sincere condolences to the family of Stuart Sloan (Porky) at his untimely passing. Stuart was a lifelong bandsman and an absolute gentleman.

“He and his family are all in our thoughts. God bless.”

Members of Co Armagh band, Drumderg Loyalists Flute Band in Keady also expressed sadness following the tragedy.

A spokesperson for the band said: “Please be assured of our prayers for the entire family circle and the extended band family.”

Mr Sloan had also been a member of Whitehead Eagles Football Club.

Commenting on Saturday, a club spokesperson said: “We are saddened to hear the news of our former member Stuart Sloan aka Porky who passed away yesterday.

“The committee and members of Whitehead Eagles wish to pass on our thoughts and condolences to the family circle. RIP Stuart.”

A notice on the Funeral Times website stated that Mr Sloan’s funeral is private due to current circumstances around the pandemic with donations in lieu of flowers invited to N.I. Hospice c/o E.W. Ramsey & Son, 5 Upper Main Street, Larne BT40 1SY.

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We’re more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers. Please consider purchasing a copy of the paper. You can also support trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription of the News Letter.

Ballycarry collision claimed the life of Islandmagee bandsman