Tyrone and Derry men killed in Australia named as tributes pour in

It is understood that 24-year-old Joe, from Omagh, had moved to the city just weeks ago, while Gerry, 27, who was from Portstewart is thought to have been just days away from travelling home for Christmas.

The two men were crushed by a concrete slab that was being unloaded by crane from a delivery truck, while they were taking a break from work on a $20m apartment complex in the city.

Joe’s family said: “We are devastated by Joe’s death. We will always remember him as the bright and bubbly young man that he was.

“We are so proud of our son, who was so well-known and popular. He was so selfless and touched so many lives.”

Gerry’s brother Gregory said he can’t believe what has happened to his “happy, friendly” sibling.

“He would be one of the few people I don’t know anyone who had a bad word to say about him. We can’t believe what has happened. He enjoyed life,” he said.

Jaxon Construction who were carrying out the work on the apartment complex said in a statement: “Our heartfelt thoughts and condolences go out to the families, loved ones and colleagues of the two men involved in this tragic accident.

“Counselling support has been offered to all 52 employees and contractors who were on site today and also to JAXON’s wider workforce.

“JAXON has been in operation since 1958, and in 57 years had never experienced a fatality.

“Our workforce is grieving and our focus is on supporting the families and those affected. As a mark of respect, and to fully support our employees, all JAXON sites will be closed tomorrow.”

Hundreds of tributes have been paid to the two young men on social media.

A tribute to Joe McDermott said: “Omagh has lost a true legend and the life and soul of a party. Too young too soon.”

While a friend of Gerry’s said: “Gonna miss u Gerry son rip m8.”

Speaking from Perth Australia, Tom Bradley from the Claddagh Association said he is working with the Bell Trust to try and repatriate the young men’s bodies for burial in their home counties.

He said: “I know the boys they are working for.”

Speaking about the young men who were tragically killed, he said: “They are not that long here. I think they were new arrivals - they work for lads from Tyrone as well... a couple of brothers.

“They were having a cigarette and there was a crane just lifting slabs and one fell,” he added.

“I am with the Claddagh Association which is a welfare group. We have offered the family assistance.”

The incident - reported to have happened on the corner of Goderich Street and Bennett Street in East Perth at about 11.30am, Australian time - is now being investigated by local authorities.