‘Several lessons to learn from the unjustified death’ of Stephen Holmes

A priest has said that there are “several lessons” to learn from the “unjustified death” of Co Tyrone Stephen Holmes man.

Going to the mourners at the 31 -year -old funeral in the church of Santa María, Melmount, Fr. Michael Doherty said there have been many deaths such as Mr. Holmes in recent years, and added that he hopes he is the last one.

The father of Dos died at the hospital on Saturday, February 8 after an incident in the area of ​​Beechmount Village de Strabane on February 3.

A man faces a position of his murder.

Father Doherty offered his sympathy to his whole family, including parents, Patricia and David, about the death of his youngest son.

“I guess no matter how old we are, when our parents are still there, we are still children,” he added.

“Also our sympathy goes with their brothers and sisters, to the twins Zara and Neill, and the twins Kay and David, and their own young children, Alfie and Noah.

“We offer our condolences, not only in Stephen’s death at that early age of 31, but also about the sad and tragic way and circumstances of his death.

“He has been taken to the funeral long before his expected time, although during the last years he has not enjoyed great health, he has had his health problems and has had other problems for which his family gave him any support and Help that could.

“Our prayer today is mainly for Stephen, that he is at rest and in peace.

“I am sure that we are not different from any other time, but it seems that we have brought so many young adults to this church for the burial after their death, some through natural causes, perhaps after short or long diseases.”

He added: “But in recent years, we have been burying people through other causes and I don’t need to spell them today. But everyone who spent this life leaves families behind with a broken heart and, in some cases, due to the way they lead life now, they leave behind the fearful communities, worried about their own children and a Lifestyle that is becoming too frequent.

“Every time we have a death like Stephen, we have had so many of them, so many young deaths in recent years, you always expect this to be the last.

“But there always seems to be another, no matter how many young people gathered here today, and they have done so for other funerals in recent years, and feel a supplication so as not to let it happen again.” Sometimes you can forget and the same happens.

“I think we all have to admit that there are several lessons to learn from Stephen’s unjustified death, and we can only expect them to learn.”

Several articles were presented on the altar to represent their life, including a fishing cane and an image of Mr. Holmes.

His sister Zara thanked the medical staff, including paramedics, Altnagelvin personnel, as well as doctors and nurses of the ICU at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast for “working tirelessly to save Stephen’s life.”

“They treated Stephen with the greatest care and dignity, and as a family, we will always be grateful,” they told the mourners.

“Stephen is a beloved son. He is a dad and a little brother. He put a brave fight to stay, but this battle was one that could not survive.

“Our hearts will be broken forever, but we comforted each other to know that we were there with you, surrounding him in love as we always did.

“Please, look at your mother and dad, your two older brothers and your sisters, all your nieces and nephews, but most importantly, your two young children, Alfie and Noah, who love you very much.

“As a family, we will see them grow and see you live through them. Today, as a family, it is very difficult to say goodbye. May God keep you safe until we see you again. We will miss you forever, Stephen. “

When the family left the church, their two children placed a hand in their father’s coffin.

Dylan McCrossan, 31, from Beechmount Village, faces a position from Mr. Holmes’ murder.