Tributes have been paid to two men who died when a trench collapsed in a workplace accident
Mark Glover, 38, and Joseph Hobbs, 23, died after the incident at around 10:45am on Friday.
Both men received medical treatment but were pronounced dead at the scene on Ballygowan Road in Crossnacreevy, Northern Ireland.
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Joseph had family links to Scotland.
Police said their sympathies remained “with all those affected by this tragic incident” and confirmed they would continue working with Northern Ireland’s Health and Safety Executive as enquiries continue.
A fundraiser set up by friend Craig Lemon to help the families with funeral costs had raised £18,757 by Monday (5 October), as reported by Need To Know
Craig said: “There are no words that can truly express the heartbreak we feel as we share the devastating news of the sudden and tragic passing of our dear friends, Mark Glover and Joe Hobbs, following a devastating work-related accident.
“In an instant, two lives were taken far too soon, leaving behind two families who are now facing unimaginable pain and a future without the people they loved so deeply.
“Mark leaves behind his beloved children, Rio and Cole.
“Joe leaves behind his beloved son, Axel.
“No child should ever have to face the heartbreak of losing their dad, and no family should ever have to say goodbye to someone they love in such sudden and tragic circumstances.
“Mark and Joe were so much more than friends.
“They were sons, dads, brothers, family members and friends.
“They were people who were loved deeply and whose lives touched so many others.
“Their absence will be felt every single day.
“Although nothing can take away the pain their families are experiencing, we want to come together as friends, and as a community to make sure their families are not left to face the financial burden that comes with such an unexpected tragedy.
“We are raising funds to help both families with funeral costs and associated expenses, giving them one less thing to worry about during this devastating time.
“Most importantly, we want them to be able to concentrate on each other, on their children, and on saying goodbye to Mark and Joe with the love they deserve.
“If you can donate, no matter how small, your contribution will make a real difference.
“If you aren’t in a position to donate, please share this fundraiser.
“Let’s come together and show Rio, Cole, Axel and both families just how loved their dads are and how many people are standing beside them.
“Mark and Joe may have been taken from us far too soon, but they will never be forgotten.
“Their memories will live on through their children, their families, their friends and everyone who had the privilege of knowing them.”
On Saturday, Comber Young Men FC held a minute’s silence for the pair, with members of the Glover family watching on at Parkway.
A spokesperson said: “The players and management, along with Carryduff Colts and Cloughey FC, came together to observe a minutes silence in memory of Mark Glover and Joseph Hobbs, following their very sad and untimely passing.
“With members of the Glover family watching on at Parkway, it was a solemn moment of reflection and respect for two men whose loss will be deeply felt not only by all those who knew and loved them, but by the wider community.
“Everyone at Comber Young Men would like to extend their deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the families, friends and loved ones of both Mark and Joe at this incredibly difficult time.
“Our thoughts are with you all, and we pray that in the days, weeks and months ahead, you find the strength and comfort to support one another.”
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