Body of Co Fermanagh crash victim might have lain undetected at roadside for days
A CRASH victim in Co Fermanagh who lay undiscovered for up to five days has been named as Gary Douglas.
The 44-year-old’s SUV was found on Tuesday by a member of the public on the Belfast Road near the Killyhevlin Hotel.
Mr Douglas was originally from Liverpool but had lived in the village of Tempo near Lisbellaw for several years.
It’s believed the single-vehicle crash took place some time between last Thursday and Tuesday.
Poor weather at the time had seen many roads affected by snow and ice across Northern Ireland.
A missing person’s report had been filed with police on Mon-
day, February 5. Ulster Unionist councillor Robert Irvine came upon the emergency services at the scene on Tuesday.
“There were police cars, ambulance and a fire engine attending,” he said. “It is a sweeping bend there with tall trees on both sides. There’s also a break in a hedge with a drop of about 8-10ft into a field.
“I can understand why he may not have been detected by the farmer who owns the field.
“At this time of the year there’s no sheep or cattle out.
“The field also dips, then rises at that point, so you can’t really see it when you’re driving round the bend.”
He continued: “I’m just not sure what happened to the man and why he went off the road.
“I don’t know if he suffered something like a seizure which caused him to lose control.”
PSNI Inspector Paula Johnston said yesterday: “We continue to investigate the circumstances that led to Mr Douglas’ death and are appealing for information.
“We would like to hear from anyone who was travelling on the Belfast Road at any time over those days.
“We are especially keen to speak to anyone who saw Mr Douglas’ grey Renault Kadjar in the area at any point during that period of time.
“Please call police in Enniskillen or at the Collision Investigation Unit, quoting reference 400 for February 2, 2018.”
Passing on his condolences to Mr Douglas’ family, Mr Irvine added: “I would say it’s very unfortunate that anybody died, but especially in circumstances like this.”