Family devastated after sudden death of avid Co Antrim runner
THE family of “a real gentleman” who collapsed and died while mowing the lawn at his home in Co Antrim have said they are absolutely devastated following his death.
Avid runner and Larne FC fan Paul Clements, a father-of-one from the port town, died suddenly on Monday.
Aged 44, Paul was married to Margaret and they have one daughter, Hannah (12).
The family are members of Larne Parkrun and were often seen at local running events.
Paul was just a few runs away from completing his 150th park run, and a cake to celebrate the occasion was in the works.
It is understood that Hannah intends to complete those last few races to hit the milestone.
Paul’s untimely death sparked dozens of heartfelt tributes on social media.
His heartbroken brother Gareth took to Facebook hours after his death. He wrote: “Absolutely devastated tonight by the sudden and untimely passing of my wee brother Paul.
“Still can’t quite get my head around it.
“I know long, hard days are in front of us but with the support of friends and family we’ll get through it.
“My heart is breaking for Mags, Hannah, my mum and sister. Sleep well pal.”
Paul was a keen runner and had run in this year’s London Marathon to rainse funds for Portrush RNLI.
He was a member of East Coast Athletic Club, who said they were “shocked and deeply saddened” by his death.
“All of our thoughts and prayers are with Margaret, Hannah and their family circle at this very sad time,” they said in a Facebook post.
“No other words can express how we feel about this devastating news.”
Larne Parkrun also posted on their Facebook page: “We at Larne Parkrun were shocked and deeply saddened at the news of the sudden and untimely passing of our good friend, Paul.
“Paul, along with his wife, Mags and daughter, Hannah, have been with us from the very start at Larne Parkrun. They have been massive supporters of ours, and of parkrun in general, over the years.
“However, Paul was not only a regular part of our family at Larne Parkrun, but also of the wider running community in Larne.
“Paul was a familiar face to many, and a friend to most.
“Larne Parkrun would like to express our deepest sympathies to Mags and Hannah, and to Paul’s extended family at this most difficult time.”
Paul was a massive supporter of Larne FC and Manchester United.
In a statement, the Co Antrim club said: “Larne Football Club would like to express its sympa- thies to the family of Paul Clements. We were deeply saddened this morning learn of his sudden passing.
“Paul was a faithful fan of the club, and he will be sorely missed by many on matchdays at Inver Park.
“To his family we offer our sympathy and prayers.”
The Larne Man United Supporters Club posted on their Facebook page: “It is with great saddness that we learn of the sudden passing of one of the nicest persons that you could wish to meet, Paul Clements a real gentleman.
“Our sincere condolences to Mags and family. RIP Paul.”