Ballymena: Silent tribute following tragic deaths of three members of family and passing of TV star Gerry Kelly
The mayor of Mid and East Antrim has offered his condolences following the tragic deaths of three members of a family at a house in the Ballymena area earlier this month.
Speaking at a full meeting of the council on Monday, Alderman Tom Gordon said: “It was with deep sadness that I learned of the tragic deaths of three members of the same family at a house in Ballymena.
“My sincerest condolences to the loved ones and friends of these three individuals and I realise the impact this has had on all our local residents.”
The three family members were found dead in their home in the Cullybackey Road area of Ballymena on Monday, July 13. Police confirmed a woman, aged 39, and her daughter, aged eight, had been murdered. The PSNI said an investigation into their murder, along with the sudden death of a 41-year-old man, will continue.
The mayor continued: “I was also saddened to learn of the passing of Gerry Kelly who grew up in the Thomas Street area of Ballymena. He will be fondly remembered by many who personally knew him and by all who were entertained in his roles with UTV in years past.”
The mayor extended condolences to his family and friends. The funeral of Mr Kelly, a former UTV presenter, who passed away on July 26 took place at St Nicholas’ Church, Ardglass, on Wednesday afternoon, followed by interment in the adjoining Calvary Cemetery.
The mayor went on to extend the council’s thoughts to the families of those affected by a number of recent road traffic incidents before a one-minute silence was observed.
Michelle Weir, Local Democracy Reporter