European Rugby Champions Cup Round 6, Kingspan Stadium, Belfast 23/1/2016 Ulster vs Oyonnax Ulster's Rory Best celebrates with Rob Herring Mandatory Credit ©INPHO/Dan Sheridan
Forever in our hearts: Ulster Rugby star dies in a car crash.
Ulster’s rising rugby star, Nevin Spence, tragically lost his life alongside his father and brother in a farm accident last Saturday. At only 22 years old, Spence was already making waves in the Irish rugby scene, being seen as a potential successor to the legendary Brian O’Driscoll.
The accident occurred on the family farm in Hillsborough, County Down, when Spence’s father fell into a slurry pit while reportedly attempting to rescue their dog. In a brave attempt to save their father, Nevin and his older brother Graham entered the pit, but sadly, all three men lost their lives before emergency services could reach them. Nevin’s sister Emma was hospitalized for fume inhalation but has since been discharged.
Tributes poured in for the Spence family from across the sporting world. Brian O’Driscoll expressed his devastation at the loss of the talented young player and his family, while golfer Rory McIlroy emphasized the importance of cherishing every moment of life.
Nevin Spence was widely admired for his character and dedication to the sport, with many recalling his positive qualities as a person. His untimely passing has deeply affected not only his local community and the Ulster team but also the broader Irish sporting community and rugby as a whole. May they all rest in peace.
