TWO FATHERS LOST IN CO DOWN TRENCH COLLAPSE AS COMMUNITY RALLIES AROUND THEIR FAMILIES

A close-knit community in County Down is mourning the loss of two workers who died in a tragic workplace incident — as friends and relatives come together to remember the men and support the children they left behind.

Joseph Hobbs, 23, from the Comber area, and Mark Glover, 38, from Ballygowan, died after a trench collapsed at a worksite on Ballygowan Road in Crossnacreevy on Friday, October 2.

Emergency services rushed to the scene and medical treatment was provided, but both men were pronounced dead at the scene. Police have said the deaths are not being treated as suspicious at this time, while enquiries into the circumstances continue.

TWO FAMILIES LEFT HEARTBROKEN

Joseph’s family described the 23-year-old as someone who brought “so much love, happiness and lots of laughs” to the people around him.

He was also a devoted father to his young son, Axel.

His family said the sudden loss has left them devastated, describing Joseph as an “amazing dad” whose absence will be felt forever.

Mark Glover, 38, was also a father. He leaves behind two children, Rio and Cole.

His brother Barney described the family as being “shocked and numb” after receiving the devastating news.

He remembered Mark as having a “larger than life personality” and someone who could make people laugh wherever he went.

“THEY WON’T BE COMING HOME”

The tragedy has deeply affected the surrounding community.

Alliance MP Sorcha Eastwood described the deaths as devastating, saying the two men had been “out doing an honest day’s graft” and would not be coming home to their families.

DUP leader Gavin Robinson also offered his condolences, saying his thoughts were with the families and loved ones of both men, as well as the emergency services who responded to the incident.

Local community groups have also shared messages of support, remembering the families, friends and colleagues affected by the sudden loss.

FRIENDS LAUNCH FUNDRAISER

As the families prepare to say goodbye, friends have launched a fundraiser to help with funeral costs and other unexpected expenses.

The fundraiser, organized by Craig Lemon, had passed £18,000 — around €21,000 — toward a target of £28,000, according to The Irish Sun.

The organizer said the goal was to give both families one less financial burden during an incredibly painful time.

He highlighted that Mark and Joseph were not only fathers, but also sons, brothers, friends and members of families that now have to face life without them.

A COMMUNITY REMEMBERING TWO LIVES

The fundraiser has become more than financial support. It has also given friends and members of the community a way to show how much both men meant to those around them.

For Joseph’s family, memories of his laughter and the love he gave his son will remain.

For Mark’s family, his larger-than-life personality and ability to make people laugh are among the memories they are now holding onto.

Both families are facing the unimaginable task of saying goodbye while supporting their children through a loss that came without warning.

INVESTIGATION CONTINUES

The Police Service of Northern Ireland said the deaths are not currently being treated as suspicious.

Police are continuing to work with the Health and Safety Executive and other agencies as enquiries into the circumstances of the workplace incident continue.

Funeral arrangements for Joseph Hobbs and Mark Glover had not yet been released at the time of reporting.

For two families, however, the investigation is only one part of a much bigger story — one now defined by grief, memories and the children who will grow up carrying the memories of their fathers.