Larne's Gareth McAuley extends sympathy after NI fan's tragic death in Nice
The 25-year-old Northern Ireland fan who lost his life following a fall in the French city has been widely named by media outlets as Darren Rodgers from Ballymena.
It is understood he died after an eight-metre fall from a seafront promenade.
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Hide AdAfter hearing the shocking news this morning, Larne man McAuley took to Twitter to express his sympathy, stating: “You think things are bad then learn one of your own loses his life last night. Thoughts with family and friends . #GAWA #family”
Superintendent Nigel Goddard is in charge of the PSNI operation in France and said the death was a tragic accident.
“The processes are that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office will make contact with this man’s family and take it from there. I believe it was an accident - not in any way disorder related, obviously a personal tragedy.
In a statement, chief executive of the IFA Patrick Nelson expressed their “deep sadness”.
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Hide AdHe said: “On behalf of the board, management, players and staff of the Irish Football Association, I would like to express my deep sadness at the tragic death of a Northern Ireland supporter in Nice in the early hours of this morning.
“The thoughts of everyone at the Association are with his family and friends at this time.”