Gerry Bradley (left and Joe McDermott who died in Australia on a construction site

A PRIEST says the family of Gerry Bradley who was killed in a construction accident this week in Australia are struggling to come to terms with his death. 

Mr Bradley, who is in his 20s and from Portstewart, was working on apartment block when the accident happened.

He and Joe McDermott from Omagh, were standing on the pavement when a concrete slab fell from a crane, crushing them to death.

A major safety investigation is now under way into the tragedy in East Perth, Western Australia.

News of Mr Bradley’s death has shocked Portstewart.

Fr Brendan Mulhall, parish priest of St Malachy’s in Coleraine, said he had spoken to relatives of Mr Bradley.

“It goes without saying that they’re devastated, but they are aware and thankful for the support of so many people who have been expressing their sympathy and condolence,” he said.

“I’ve heard so many things about him today and all of them positive.

“He was a very popular, kind, caring, generous young man with a great future ahead of him.

“It’s just so sad that this has been snuffed out by this awful tragedy.”