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Family grief over 'carefree' son's quad bike death

Roxborough Family A smiling Isaac Roxborough sitting on a tractorRoxborough Family
His family said Isaac was at his happiest when on the farm

A teenager who died following a quad bike crash in County Londonderry will be remembered as “a kind, hardworking, humble and thoughtful boy,” his family have said.

Isaac Roxborough, 14, from Burnfoot, Dungiven, was involved in the single-vehicle crash on the Ballygudden Road, Eglinton on Tuesday morning.

He died in hospital from his injuries on Wednesday.

His family said he was “a laid back, care free, happy boy who was at his happiest when out on the farm”.

Roxborough Family Isaac Roxborough standing in a field with a dog at his feet, with hills in the backgroundRoxborough Family
The teenager was a drummer, football fan and a committed member of his local church, his family said

In a statement, the Roxborough family said he was always thinking of others before himself.

“He will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure to know him not least by his immediate family, mum Katrina, dad Mark and his two brothers Adam and James."

Issac was a committed member of Bovevagh Parish Church, a drummer in Moneydig Young Conquerors and Bannside and Garrison Fife and Drumming clubs, and a keen footballer, his family said.

He played, his family said, for many years for Newtowne Football Club and supported Glasgow Rangers FC.

The Ballygudden Road running towards the village of Eglinton with Lough Foyle in the background, and with long grass growing on either side of the road
The narrow rural road runs to the village's Main Street

An investigation has begun into the circumstances of the crash.

Police are keen to hear from anyone who saw the red Honda quad on the Ballygudden Road, before 11:30 BST on Tuesday.

'Always had a smile on his face'

Rev Mark Loney
Rev Mark Loney says the family is devastated

Church of Ireland Rector in Dungiven Rev Mark Loney has been comforting Isaac's family.

“They are completely devastated by the loss of such a lovely kind young man. He had a wide range of interests and was popular with everyone who knew him.

"The family has been inundated with support as they deal with this terrible grief,” he added.

In a post on social media, Moneydig Young Conquerors Flute Band said they were devastated by Isaac’s death.

“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,” the post read.

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

Darren Mornin
Darren Mornin, principal of Limavady High School, said there was a sombre mood at the school

Darren Mornin, the principal of Limavady High School which Isaac attended, said there was a sombre mood in the school.

"We've help and support here today for the students who are devastated by the loss of Isaac. He was such a popular boy," he said.

"But when the news started filtering through our school community - in fact the wider town of Limavady - was greatly shocked and saddened by his passing.

"The mood is certainly sombre in the school corridors today."

'He gave his all in every match'

Newtowne Football Club in Limavady also paid tribute to their former player.

"It is with great sadness and regret that we have learned of the tragic passing of our ex-player Isaac Roxborough," they said.

Isaac had been part of Newtowne Youths football club for several years, playing regularly at seven, nine, and 11-a-side.

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

Newtowne Youths passed on their condolences to his whole family circle and said they are all in their thoughts at this difficult time.