The family of a six-year-old boy killed in a speedboat accident at Cranfield Beach, Co Down, have spoken of their heartbreak after his tragic death.
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Stuart Wilson died at the Royal Victoria Hospital on Thursday afternoon after sustaining serious head injuries in the boat accident.
The six-year-old boy, who has a brother and two older sisters, was on a wake board being towed by a boat when he was struck by a speedboat on Bank Holliday Monday.
Stuart had been spending the summer holidays in the area with his family in a caravan.
"Gary, Heather, Ashleen, Gareth, Hannah and rest of the family are devastated by the death of their son and brother Stuart", the family have said in a statement.
"They are glad that their last memories are of Stuart doing something he loved with his family and friends.
"Stuart was a very outgoing child who loved football, outdoor activities and playing with his many friends.
The family also expressed their gratitude "to those who administered first aid and the various medical teams who cared for Stuart."
"Stuart will always be in our thoughts.
"Gone but not forgotten", the statement concludes.
The entire Co Down village of Rathfriland is mourning the loss of the "fun-loving boy".
The Principal at Iveagh Primary School, where Stuart was due to return on Wednesday, told UTV the boy will be "greatly missed" by his friends.
"The whole community is devastated," Philip Vance told UTV. "Stuart has been at Iveagh for just three years and the whole community has got to know him very well, very quickly.
"He was known as a lively, energetic and fun-loving boy, qualities which made him exceptionally popular with adults and, impressively, with children of all ages.
"He'll be greatly missed."
"His smile would light up any room", Mr Vance added.
"The school is a very tightly-knit community and we will be offering all types of support in the coming days that we think is appropriate."
Church of Ireland minister Rev David Somerville told UTV the tragic death was every parent's "worst nightmare".
"They (the family) are being very composed in their grief", he said.
"They want something that they can't have. They want their wee son back."
He added that Stuart was "a lovely wee lad", who was the "life and soul of the party".
Rathfriland is expected to come to a standstill on Saturday afternoon as the boy is laid to rest after a funeral service at St John's Church.
Police investigating the boat accident have said enquiries are ongoing and officers have appealed for anyone who witnessed what happened to come forward.
© UTV News