Farmer who died in Coleraine collision was '˜a real gentleman'

Jim McCollum, a 75-year-old farmer from the Blagh area just outside Coleraine, died after his Landrover jeep crashed into a tree shortly after 3pm on Tuesday.

The collision happened on the Curragh Road, south of Coleraine.

DUP Councillor George Duddy, who knew Mr McCollum, said he was “a real gentleman”.

He added: “James was a quite, private and unassuming person, but he was well-known and well-respected in the farming community.

“This was a tragic accident and he will be sorely missed.”

UUP Councillor William McCandless said Mr McCollum was from a “decent, upright family”.

Passing on his condolences, Mr McCandless said: “I know the family, a very well respected family from the Coleraine area.

“They are farmers who would have given a lot of employment to local people in the 1950s and 60s at harvest times.

“I can remember picking potatoes at the McCollum farm when I was 12 or 13-years-old. The family are very well-known in the local area.

“I would sincerely like to pass on my condolences to them.

“When tragedy comes like this, unexpectedly, it is a great shock to everyone and it is very tragic. I would like to extend my sympathies.”

Sinn Féin MLA Caoimhe Archibald said: “Any death on the road is one too many. I would like to express my sympathies to the family and friends of the man who has died.”