The family of Kyle McDermott are “devastated beyond words”, a relative has said as tributes are paid to the 24-year-old who died following an assault in Co Tyrone.
Mr McDermott died in hospital after an incident close to his home at Victoria Road in Ballymagorry, outside Strabane, on Sunday evening.
On Tuesday, a 24-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remained in police custody.
Mr McDermott’s cousin, Derry and Strabane independent councillor Jason Barr, was among those to pay tribute online, describing his relative as “forever 24″.
“A smile that will never be seen again,” he wrote in a social media post about Mr McDermott, who was originally from the Burt area of Inishowen, Co Donegal.
“Kyle didn’t deserve this. Please keep Kyle’s partner Chloe, his Mum Claire, Dad Stephen, Sister Stephanie and Brothers Arden and Sheehan and our family in your prayers.
“Devastated beyond words.”
No funeral arrangements have yet been announced, but Mr Barr said a wake to be held in Mr McDermott’s family home in Burt will be strictly private.
In a statement posted to Facebook, Strabane-based company McGettigan Homes paid tribute to their former colleague.
“Kyle with his father Stephen and brother Arden worked with our company for a number of years,” a spokesperson said.
“Kyle was a very talented digger driver and enjoyed creating numerous videos from his cabin showing his extended skills.
“He was a great asset to our company and his tragic passing has sorely affected us all.”
Meanwhile, Liverpool Irish pub Molly Malones described Mr McDermott as a “very close friend and loyal customer” in a post.
“To say he left a huge hole in all of our hearts is an understatement. Molly’s is heartbroken,” a spokesperson wrote.
“Kyle, may you rest in peace, kid. We will love and miss you dearly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the McDermott family during this incredibly difficult time.
“May you fly high above, Kyle. You’ll always be a part of our Molly’s family.”
Meanwhile, detectives investigating the circumstances of his death issued a new appeal for information on a car seen in the Ballymagorry area on Sunday night.
PSNI Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said: “I am making a specific and direct appeal to the occupants of a blue-coloured car. This car was parked on the Victoria Road, near the scene of the altercation, and we believe that an occupant captured mobile footage of the incident.
“Kyle, at just 24 years old, was a young man in his prime when his life was cut short, leaving a family and friends heartbroken.
”I am appealing, in the first instance, to the driver and passengers of that car to please contact us on 101 as soon as possible, as your support could greatly assist our enquiries.”
She added: ”I will also take the opportunity to extend a reminder to anyone who as in the Victoria Road area on Sunday night between 6pm and midnight to come forward with any information or footage you may have. Please quote reference 1670 of 06/10/24.”
