The late Rev Dr Stewart Jones.
The Bishop of Derry has paid tribute to the Rev Dr Stewart Jones who died yesterday while diving off the coast of Donegal.
Rev Dr Jones, who was minister of Donemana Presbyterian Church and chaplain at Altnagelvin Hospital in Derry, died in Sligo General Hospital where he was airlifted after getting into difficulty while diving close to St John’s Point in the Dunkineely area at around 4.30pm.
A married man in his 50s with three three adult daughters, Rev Dr Jones was a qualified diving instructor with the Professional Association of Diving Instructors and the British Sub Aqua Club as well as an instructor in Emergency First Response.
In a statement, Derry Bishop Most Rev Dr Donal McKeown said he learned of the tragic death of Rev Dr Jones with “great sadness” and extended sympathy to his wife, family and congregation.
Dr McKeown added: “Rev Dr Jones was known to many people of all faiths and none in his role as a member of the chaplaincy team at Altnagelvin Hospital.
“Stewart was a valuable member of the team and his death will be a great loss.
“He was outgoing, with a great energy and zeal for life as well as being very down to earth and approachable.”
Bishop McKeown concluded: “His family and congregation are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.”
Rev Dr Jones is the second man to die in the last month whilst diving off the Donegal coast.
A 42-year-old Polish national, who had been living in Cork, died after an incident during a technical dive off Malin Head on 15 June.
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