Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TRIBUTES TO UTV MAN BRIAN
Former presenter dies after car plunges into lough
TRIBUTES were last night paid to former UTV presenter Brian Black who died after his car plunged into a harbour yesterday.
The tragic incident happened in Strangford, Co Down, at 11.40am. Host Gerry Kelly was “devastated” at the loss of his former colleague, who was in his 70s.
He said: “May he rest in peace.”
FORMER UTV presenter Brian Black died yesterday following a tragic incident at a harbour.
His vehicle entered the water at Strangford at around 11.40am.
The Northern Ireland Ambulance Service said Mr Black, aged in his 70s, was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital but later passed away.
A spokesman added it dispatched two emergency crews to the scene.
The charity air ambulance was also tasked, along with Portaferry RNLI and Portaferry Coast Guard who recovered the casualty from the water.
Mr Black initially presented the current affairs programme Counterpoint and then switched to become UTV’S environment correspondent.
In more recent years he had worked as a programme maker, producing a show on the refurbishment and reopening of Mount Stewart.
Presenter Gerry Kelly paid tribute to his former co-worker.
He said: “I am devastated to learn of the tragic death of my former UTV colleague Brian Black. May he rest in peace.”
Broadcaster Lynda Bryans added: “Just heard the sad news about our former UTV Live colleague Brian Black.
“He was a gentleman. My thoughts are with his family.”
Journalist and broadcaster Kate Smith also paid her respects.
She said: “Shocked and so sad to hear of the death of my former UTV and prior to that RTE colleague Brian Black.
“I’ve known him a lifetime... he was always a true professional and a wonderful colleague. Deepest sympathy to his family. RIP Brian.”
UTV presenter Ken Reid said he was “devastated” at the news. He added: “My old UTV colleague Brian Black has been killed in a tragic accident.
“He was a special man, great communicator with a special passion for improving our environment. The UTV family is in a state of shock at the loss.”
SDLP councillor Gareth Sharvin posted: “Receiving the sad news that Brian Black who lived in the Kilclief area has sadly passed away from the incident in Strangford earlier today.
“I have known Brian for many years and remember visiting him last September on my first venture out after being released from hospital, following his sad loss of his wife Lesley earlier in the month of September 2019.
“He always had his family and the community at heart.
“My thoughts are with Kieron, Sarah and the wider family circle at this time.”
Mr Black was a keen sailor who had great environmental concerns, including the deteriorating condition of the Arctic.
Sailing writer William M Nixon said last night he “was a recognised expert on the coast of Greenland and its Inuit people”.
He added: “He voyaged there on many occasions, 10 of those voyages being in command of his own boat.”
Mr Black was also a member of the Irish Cruising Club for nearly 40 years.
He was a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society and was appointed as a visiting professor at Ulster University.
He was a special man... the UTV family is in a state of shock KEN REID YESTERDAY