Wear white or light colours at funeral for Jay Moffett (13) urge family

Friends and family attending the funeral of Jay Moffett (13), who died in a swimming tragedy, have been urged to wear white or lighter coloured clothing.
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The 13-year-old Tandragee High School pupil had been swimming on Monday afternoon in the Canal Court area of Scarva, Co Down, when he got into difficulties.

Firefighters spoke of a ‘traumatic scene’ as his father tried to retrieve Jay from the water.

Today, his family announced his funeral arrangements.

A funeral service will take place on Friday at 1pm outside Jay’s home.

Family and friends are welcome to socially distance while attending, followed by a committal service in Banbridge New Cemetery.

The family notice said: “Those attending are asked to wear white and lighter colours please.”

It said Jay Moffett, late of Scarvagh Heights, Scarva. Jay, is cherished and adored son of Caroline and Wayne, devoted big brother of Ollie and Daisy, treasured grandson of Tom and Hilary Greer, Gordon and Gill Moffett, Jacqui and Robert Martin, much loved nephew of Lynne (Paul), Gilly (Aaron), Heather (Gary) and Tracey (Jonathon), beloved cousin of Lexi, Harry, Cora and Grayson.

Press Eye - Belfast - 20th July 2021

13-year-old boy dies after an incident near the Canal Court area of Scarva, Co. Down.  PSNI officers were called to the area around 3.30pm on Monday.

Flowers left near the scene. 


Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEyePress Eye - Belfast - 20th July 2021

13-year-old boy dies after an incident near the Canal Court area of Scarva, Co. Down.  PSNI officers were called to the area around 3.30pm on Monday.

Flowers left near the scene. 


Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye
Press Eye - Belfast - 20th July 2021 13-year-old boy dies after an incident near the Canal Court area of Scarva, Co. Down. PSNI officers were called to the area around 3.30pm on Monday. Flowers left near the scene. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Family flowers only please, donations for the benefit of Air Ambulance N.I. via www.milnefuneralservices.co.uk/donate or Milne Funeral Services, 5 Newry Road, Banbridge, BT32 3HF.

Yesterday afternoon (Tuesday) Jay’s family said: “We are heartbroken by the loss of our beautiful Jay. He was a much loved son, brother, grandson, nephew and cousin who lit up the lives of everyone who knew him in his 13 years.

“We are grateful for the support we have received at this terrible time and would ask that we now be given the space to grieve in private.”

Jay, who was a keen boxer, was taken from the water by his dad, a colleague and friends with help from the NI Fire and Rescue Service.

Jay Moffett, aged 13, who died tragically on Monday after getting into difficulties in water near Scarva, Co Down.Jay Moffett, aged 13, who died tragically on Monday after getting into difficulties in water near Scarva, Co Down.
Jay Moffett, aged 13, who died tragically on Monday after getting into difficulties in water near Scarva, Co Down.

He was taken to Craigavon Area Hospital but was sadly pronounced dead.

The NI Air Ambulance and the PSNI also attended the scene.

A number of bouquets of flowers have been left at the scene of the tragedy. One read: “So sorry I couldn’t of done more to help you.”

Tullylish Amateur Boxing Club posted a photo of Jay and said: “Tullylish ABC are deeply saddened following the tragic and untimely passing of our much loved club member Jay Moffett.

“All of us at the club pass on our sincerest condolences to Wayne, Caroline, Ollie and Daisy. Rest easy Jay, we will all miss that big smile.”

Group Commander at NIFRS, Gary Magwood told RTE’s Morning Ireland on Tuesday: “Upon arrival, crews were met with a traumatic scene, where we had the young man’s father in the water trying to retrieve his son, being assisted by a colleague, a friend of the family.

“Our crews assisted with ropes and lines and they were able to recover the young man from the water, medical assistance was rendered at the scene and then he was transferred to Craigavon Area Hospital where he was pronounced dead unfortunately.

“At this stage our condolences go out to the family. This is a traumatic incident, including that for our crews who are from the local area, and are known to the family.

“As a father myself, this has a devastating effect on the crews and the local community and the family, we are just devastated by what has happened yesterday.

“I am led to believe that he had went down with a few friends and they had to got into difficulties within the water. The friends left to get help and subsequently we were notified and attended, and that is my understanding of what happened.”

The local Loughbrickland, Donaghmore and Scarva Church of Ireland is opening its church today for those who want to sit and pray.

A spokesperson said: “As a church in the heart of Scarva village we are deeply saddened by the tragic death of a 13-year-old boy in a local lake.

“We offer to his family and friends our prayerful love and support in the days that are to come.

“It is a tragic event to happen in such a beautiful village and everyone is feeling the shock of it all, so to this end I am opening St. Matthew’s Parish Church of Ireland today (Tuesday) from 3.00pm until 6.00pm for anyone who would like somewhere to go, to sit in the quietness and pray for this family who are going through this dreadful time.

“Please do come for even just a few minutes as we remember before God this family as they deal with what has happened.”

A statement on behalf of the Board of Governors, saff and pupils of Tandragee Junior High School said: “It is with great sadness we learned of teh passing of one of our Year 9 pupils Jay Moffett.

‘Jay’s death is particularly poignant. He has always been a popular, helpful and pleasant pupil and will be deeply missed by pupils and staff. Jay was a particularly talented artist, a valued and loyal member of his form class 9EG and an exemplary citizen of our school.

“Jay’s potential was boundless, he enjoyed school and would have no doubt achieved further success upon completion of study at Key Stage 3.

“As a school community we are truly heartbroken and our thoughts, prayers and support are focused on the Moffett family, the extended family circle and Jay’s friends at this extremely sad time.”

A PSNI spokesperson said: “Police can confirm that a 13-year-old boy has tragically died following an incident in the Canal Court area of Scarva on Monday afternoon (July 19).

“It was reported that at around 3.30pm, a boy had gone into the water in the area.”

The spokesperson added: “Officers attended the scene along with other emergency services colleagues, including the Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service and Air Ambulance NI.”

Upper Bann MP Carla Lockhart said: “Devastating news to hear of another family plunged into sorrow after the death of a young teenage boy at the Canal Court area of Scarva village.

“Please remember the family in your prayers as they come to terms with this harrowing tragedy.

“To the emergency services and anyone else who assisted, thank you.”

Cllr Paul Greenfield and Junior McCrum also said, “our thoughts and prayers go to the family of the young boy. There are no words that comfort at this time or such loss. We know that the family will be much prayed for and supported by the local community.”

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Church ‘filled with broken hearts’ at funeral for father of four Caolán Doyle Read full story here

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