By Joe McCann
TRIBUTES have been paid to a Donaghadee man who died in a traffic accident in South Africa. Wesley Martin died alongside this sister Doreen and another motorist after a four- vehicle collision in the north east of the country on September 16.
Mr Martin was the vice-chairman and operations director of Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company and had played a key role in the highly successful Sir Samuel Kelly Project which involves the restoration of the historic former lifeboat and the creation of a visitor centre.
It is understood Wesley and Doreen were in South Africa visiting relatives and had travelled to the country numerous times in the past.
The crash occurred on the N4 toll road in the north-east of the country after a lorry driving on the D799 Kaapsehoop Road allegedly failed to stop at the toll road’s intersection, resulting in a collision with three other vehicles, taking the lives of Wesley, Doreen and a Mozambican national whose name has not yet been released by the South African authorities.
South Africa’s Department of Community Safety, Security and Liaison spokeswoman Zandile Mavuso said the lorry allegedly skipped the intersection and collided with three vehicles on the N4 Toll Road.
Ms Mavuso said: “The exact circumstances surrounding the collision, as well as what caused the accident, remain unclear at this stage and will be subject to further investigation.”
Dawn Petrie, secretary of the Sir Samuel Kelly Project, said Wesley was a much loved member who dedicated countless hours of hands-on time to a key piece of Donaghadee’s historical heritage.
“The Donaghadee Heritage Preservation Company is deeply shocked and saddened by the sudden death of our Vice-chairman, Wesley Martin,” she said.
“Wes was a valued and much-loved member of the Sir Samuel Kelly team and played a very hands-on role in the care and preservation of the lifeboat and her surroundings.
“He organised and worked alongside the small maintenance team carrying out essential work on the Sir Samuel Kelly herself and around the shelter, as well as liaising with contractors and helping to ensure that the practical work of the project got done.
“Wes gave generously of his time, skills and energy. As vice-Chairman he was an important part of our organisation, but to those of us who worked alongside him he was much more than a title – he was a friend, a colleague and very much part of the Kelly family.
“His sudden death has come as an enormous shock to us all. It is difficult to comprehend that someone who was such an active part of the project will no longer be there, and his presence around the Kelly will be greatly missed.
“Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Wes’s family and friends at this incredibly sad and difficult time.”
At the weekend a minute’s silence was also held at the rugby match between Donaghadee and Grosvenor for Wesley, with Donaghadee Rugby Club stating he was a ‘stalwart’ of the club.
The Port o Call Golf Society in Donaghadee also posted a tribute to Mr Martin on Facebook and said he was one of life’s ‘genuine good guys’.
The post stated: ‘Wesley Martin, a long standing member of the Port o Call Golf Society. One of life’s genuine good guys, he will be sorely missed at our monthly outings. ‘Being drawn in his four-ball meant a day of laughter and good fun every time. Deepest sympathy to all the Martin family.’
