The late Eddie Haughey RIP
Dundalk-born businessman Eddie Haughey has died following a helicopter crash in eastern England last night.
The head of Norbrook Laboratories was one of four victims of the crash, which happened in thick fog in Norfolk around 7.30pm.
The helicopter was reported to be on its way to Northern Ireland and was carrying Dr Haughey, who is also known as Lord Ballyedmond of Mourne in Co Down.
Born in Kilcurry in 1944, the 70-year-old was Northern Ireland’s richest man.
A spokeswoman for Norfolk Police said: “It’s a civilian helicopter, and there were four occupants on board who are all thought to have died in the crash.”
The incident took place near Gillingham Hall, a mansion owned by Lord Ballyedmond.
The East of England Ambulance Service said: “Sadly, it is believed that four people in the helicopter are believed to have died in the crash. Ambulance resources have now been stood down from the scene. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of those who have lost their lives tonight.”
The founder and owner of veterinary pharmaceuticals giant Norbrook, Dr Haughey was included in the 2011 Sunday Times rich list and reported as having a personal fortune of some £650 million (€780 million). Norbrook is based in Newry, Co Down, but also subsidiary plants on both sides of the Border.
Educated in the Christian Brothers, last week’s Sunday Independent rich list found he was the 29th richest man in Ireland with an estimated fortune of €430m.
He lived outside Rostrevor, Co Down on the shores of Carlingford Lough. He was also a former member of the Seanad, nominated by former Taoiseach Albert Reynolds and later by Bertie Ahern.
Lord Ballyedmond is also reported to have been the owner of an air travel company.
SDLP Assembly member Karen McKevitt said: “I am deeply saddened about the news reports about the untimely death of Lord Haughey tonight.”
A report from Sky News, shortly after the crash, can be viewed below.
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