Eglinton quad bike tragedy: Isaac Roxborough 'always with a smile and a kind word for everyone'

A Co Londonderry teen who died tragically in a quad bike accident "always with a smile and a kind word for everyone" his flute band has said.

Isaac Roxborough, from Burnfoot, Dungiven, suffered fatal injuries in the collision outside Eglinton village on Tuesday morning.

The teenager died in hospital on Wednesday.

The red Honda quad he was riding was the only vehicle involved in the crash on the Ballygudden Road.

Isaac Roxborough, aged 14, was killed in a tragic quad bike accident earlier this week in Co Londonderry. He had a keen interest in druming and farming.

Inspector Cherith Adair, from the PSNI’s collision investigation unit, said: “Our thoughts are very much with the family at this incredibly sad time, Isaac was just 14 years old.

Ms Adair said officers were conducting a “meticulous investigation” to establish the circumstances of the crash and she asked anyone who saw a red Honda quad on the Ballygudden Road shortly before 11.30am on Tuesday, or who witnessed the collision to come forward.

Moneydig Young Conquerors flute band paid a poignant and heartfelt tribute on social media to their gifted side drummer.

"It was with great sadness this afternoon that the band learnt of the tragic passing of our member Isaac Roxborough," they said.

"Isaac had been a part of our band since he was a wee nipper, first as an enthusiastic cymbal player and over the last couple of years as a gifted side drummer, proudly parading alongside his dad Mark and brothers Adam and James.

"Always with a smile and a kind word for everyone, he will be fondly remembered by everyone associated with the band."Deepest condolences to Mark, Katrina and the family circle. Forever a Young Conqueror. Rest easy young Isaac. Safe in the arms of Jesus."

The post prompted almost 370 tributes from readers.

Many tributes and condolences were posted from other bands.

BCN - Building Cultural Networks on the Shankill Road in Belfast said that it was "with a heavy heart" that it sent heartfelt condolences to their colleague Mark and his wife Katrina after hearing the tragic news about their son.

"Isaac was an outstanding young man embedded in cultural expression," the organisation said. "An active member and drummer of Moneydig Young Conquerors as well as being a keen member of the newly formed Maiden City Garrison Fife & Lambeg Drumming Club, he loved nothing more than a rattle on the lambeg drum.

"Isaac was never found wanting. Along with his Father Mark, he would be out volunteering within this project, helping out where he could in Articlave, Londonderry, and Burnfoot with their cultural festivals, bonfires and workshops when he wasn't enjoying his other love of farming.

"Words cannot describe the heartache that Mark and his family will go through in the coming days, weeks and months, our hearts are truly breaking for you, but we will be there to support you and your family throughout Mark in any way that you need us to."

Newtowne Football Club said it was "with great sadness and regret" that they learned of the tragic passing of their ex-player.

"Isaac had been part of Newtowne Youths football club for several years, playing regularly at 7, 9, and 11 a side," they said.

"He always had a smile on his face... irrespective of the result. He gave his all in every match he played.

Limavady High School posted a tribute to Isaac on social media this afternoon which also highlighted his ready smile and kind words for everyone.

"It is with a heavy heart that we must share the tragic news of the passing of one of our most popular pupils, Isaac Roxborough,” the post said.

"Isaac was a bubbly, out-going boy who was very popular with both staff and pupils. Isaac had a great sense of humour. With a love for Rangers Football Club, farming and Moneydig Young Conquerors band; Isaac was a caring and friendly character who will be dearly missed by his classmates and the wider LHS community."

Principal Darren Mornin said the entire school community was “deeply shocked and saddened” to learn of Isaac’s passing.

"At this difficult time, we keep in our thoughts and prayers Isaac’s parents, Mark and Katrina, his siblings, Adam and James and his whole family circle,” he said. “May they gather strength in their collective memories of Isaac as they prepare for tough days, weeks and months ahead.

"Always with a smile and a kind word for everyone, he will be fondly remembered by everyone associated with the school.”

He added that trained staff from the Education Authority Critical Incident Response Team are present in the school to provide support alongside pastoral care staff.