'Gentle giant' dies in Cookstown car crash as heartbroken pals pay tribute to his 'warmth'

A 21-year-old man has tragically died in a car crash in Northern Ireland, his loved ones have said.

Thomas Lagan died on Friday following the incident in Cookstown in County Tyrone. Emergency services were called to the scene shortly after 6.45am following a collision between a grey Seat Leon and a grey Volkswagen Bora. Thomas, who was the driver of the Volkswagen, was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.

A woman was taken to hospital for treatment. Now, tributes have been paid to the young man who was described as a "gentle giant" who had "exceptional work ethic" and was known for his "kindness, warmth".

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Thomas worked for J and B Engineering, Belfast Live reported. In a heartfelt post on Facebook, they said: "It is with deep sadness that we share the passing of our valued colleague and friend, Thomas Lagan, on 10th October 2025. Thomas was an integral part of J&B Engineering, known not only for his exceptional work ethic but also for his kindness, warmth, and quiet nature.

"His contributions to our team and his positive spirit will be greatly missed by everyone who had the privilege of working alongside him. Our thoughts are with Thomas's family, especially Thomas's brother James our colleague, his brother Daniel a former employee, his friends, and all those who loved him during this difficult time.

"He will always be remembered as a cherished member of the J&B Engineering family. May his gentle soul rest in peace. The Management and Staff of J&B Engineering."

Other tributes have been paid to Mr Lagan, who was described by one friend as a "gentle giant" and "lovely young man". Inspector Cherith Adair of the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Collision Investigation Unit said: "Shortly after 6.45am, we received a report of a collision involving a grey Seat Leon and a grey Volkswagen Bora on the Pomeroy Road.

"Our officers attended alongside emergency service partners, however the male driver of one of the vehicles was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene. A woman was also transferred to hospital for treatment for her injuries.

"The Pomeroy Road, which had been closed at its junctions with the Drum Road and Drumnacross Road, as we conducted a forensic examination, has now re-opened. Our enquiries are continuing, and we would appeal to anyone who witnessed the collision, or who may have digital footage which could assist with our investigation, to contact the Collision Investigation Unit on 101, quoting reference number 235 of 10/10/25."

Officers from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s Collision Investigation Unit continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision. Anyone with information or relevant footage is asked to call police on 101, quoting reference number 235 10/10/25, or submit information online at http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/.