Tributes for son of former SF MLA who died in US hit-and-run

TRIBUTES have been paid to the son of a former MLA who was killed after he was hit by a truck while cycling in the US.

The mayor of Pleasant Hill in California described the death of 54-year-old Martin Nelis as a “huge loss” to the city.

He was killed last Thursday in a hit-and-run.

The father-of-three was the son of former Sinn Fein MLA Mary Nelis and brother-in-law of current party MLA Declan Kearney.

Mr Nelis had been a public information officer for the city of Pleasant Hill since 2007.

“Martin was often the first to volunteer for any civic event or meeting, and the last to leave and turn off the lights,” a statement from the city said.

Mayor Tim Flaherty described him as the “quintessential dedicated public servant and a wonderful member of the community”.

“There’s been a huge tear in the community fabric. He became so involved in virtually every public aspect, like community events,” he said.

“Martin was incredibly bright and witty, and a true Irishman.”

He added: “This is a wonderful place to work, to play, to live, and a lot of that, most of it, is because of Martin’s hard work.

“We’re all kind of absorbing what this means to everything he was involved in for the city.”

City manager June Catalano added: “Everybody is devastated.

“He was the most dedicated staff member... he was warm and clever and just did everything.”

Sinn Fein MEP Martina Anderson said in a tweet: “Martin Nelis was loved by many and will be missed deeply by all who knew him. His mother Mary & siblings are heartbroken at his death, as are his three children.

“The Republican Family especially in Derry offer our deepest sympathy and support to you all.”