Tributes have been paid to a Co Tyrone man who died in a tragic car crash on the way to hospital to see his newborn son.
Phillip Rainey, 21, from the Omagh area, passed away on Wednesday following a single car collision on the M1 motorway near Dungannon.
It’s understood Phillip was travelling in his BMW 520 car to visit his partner and newborn son when the crash occurred.
READ MORE: Phillip Rainey: PSNI name 21-year-old man who died in in M1 crash
A former pupil of Omagh Academy, in a statement on Thursday the school said he was a popular member of the school community.
"It is with deep sadness that we learn of the death of our former pupil Phillip Rainey," the statement said.
"Phillip was a very popular member of the school community and was highly committed to sporting and agricultural events.
"We remember Phillip as a happy and caring pupil who always had a large smile on his face.
"He was someone who always brought a sense of fun to any situation, and he will be greatly missed by our whole school community.
Phillip was the grandson of local UUP councillor Allan Rainey, and party leader Doug Beattie offered his condolences to the Rainey family.
Mr Beattie said: “On behalf of the Ulster Unionist Party, I offer my sincere condolences to the Rainey family following Phillip's tragic death. They are very much in our thoughts and prayers as they mourn a terrible loss.
“Phillip was the grandson of Councillor Allan Rainey and my heart goes out to him, Phillip's Mum and Dad, and his partner and newborn child. For a young father to lose his life as he travelled to visit his partner and child in hospital is utterly heartbreaking.
“I only hope that the family will find some comfort in the support they receive from friends, neighbours and the entire community as they try to come to terms with their loss.”
Local rugby club Omagh Accies RFC, where Phillip had been a player, said the 21-year-old ‘played his heart out’ every time he took to the field.
“It is with deep regret we learn of the death of Phillip Rainey. A proud Accie who played his heart out every time he took to the field and was the life and soul after the game," the club said in a post.
“Gone far too soon and an absolute gentleman. Thoughts and prayers go out to the Rainey & McKeown families and all his friends. May he rest in peace.”
Alliance councillor for the Omagh area Stephen Donnelly said the whole community was thinking of Phillip’s family.
“Words fail utterly to capture the horror and shock of times like these. Philip should have had the chance to grow old with those he loved and raise his newborn to adulthood,” Cllr Donnelly said.
“I know our whole community will be thinking of his family today.”
Police continue to appeal for information about the crash which led to the young man's death.
Sergeant Amanda McIvor from the Collision Investigation Unit said: “Police received a report at around 10:40am, that a white BMW 520 car had left the east-bound carriageway of the motorway, near the Stangmore junction. Emergency services attended but Phillip sadly died at the scene as a result of his injuries.
“We are appealing to anyone who was travelling east-bound on the M1, in the area of the Stangmore junction, between 10:30am and 10:40am on Wednesday morning, and who has dash-cam footage from that area, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, and quote reference number 496 07/09/22."
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