Tributes paid to parade accident bandswoman/postwoman

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TRIBUTES were paid yesterday to the young bandswoman killed in a freak accident at the Twelfth demonstration in Killyleagh.
Friends described 30-year-old Debbie Jordan as someone who loved the outdoor life and working with farm animals.

They said that her parents were devastated at the loss of their only child.

Debbie, a postal worker from Saintfield, was hit by a Range Rover on Monday during the parade.

It is understood the four-wheel-drive automatic vehicle was being used to carry elderly members of the lodge.

She was taken by helicopter from the scene to Musgrave Park Hospital and then to the Royal Victoria Hospital but doctors were unable to save her. A young boy also suffered a broken leg.

Norman McBriar, a family friend and neighbour of the Jordans, said he had known Debbie and her family for many years.

"The family are just devastated," he said. "The house is filled with family and neighbours trying to give support and it is a very sad home to be in.

"Debbie was an only child and an only daughter. She loved working with animals on the farm and was a very hands-on person.

"She loved driving the tractor and the outdoor life."

Councillor William Dick, chairman of Down District Council, visited Debbie's parents yesterday morning.

Her father was in the parade and was at Debbie's side within a few minutes of the accident.

"They are completely shattered," Mr Dick said.

"We need to bear in mind that this was a freak accident and that the driver of the car was a friend of the family.

"Debbie helped her father so much around the house and farm. Her father told me he did not know how he was ever going to get over this.

"Everywhere he looks around the farm and home he said he sees so many things which were her initiative and which are reminders of her.
"He spoke very highly of her as a daughter and because she was an only child she meant so much to them as parents.

"The fact that she lived at home meant so much to them. She was a very keen worker who helped out on the farm when not on the post."
Mr Dick said the Cahard Flute Band, in which she played the flute, was also deeply shocked.

"They were there on the scene trying to give first aid to Debbie and they are all devastated," he said.

"You have to remember the band is one big family. They meet once a week to practise, and because this is also a competition band, they would meet twice a week coming up to special events."

MLA Jim Wells said: "Sadly the driver lost control of the vehicle on a steep part of the road.

"It has been a tragic accident and my sympathies go out to the Jordan family, who have lost their only daughter."

He noted that in Bangor yesterday, all vehicles in the Orange Order procession stayed at the very front of the parade.
A PSNI spokesman said that inquiries are continuing into the circumstances of Ms Jordan's death.