Euro2016: Northern Ireland Football Fan Darren Rodgers Dies In French City Of Nice

Euro2016: Northern Ireland Football Fan Dies In French City Of Nice
|

A Northern Ireland fan has died after falling from a promenade in Nice, French police have said.

Darren Rodgers, was on his own when he fell about eight metres onto a rocky beach. 

Supt Nigel Goddard, who is leading the PSNI team in France, said he believed the 24-year-old's death was an accident and not related to any disorder. 

Open Image Modal
Darren Rodgers died in the early hours of Monday morning
.

He is believed to have fallen after Northern Ireland played against Poland, suffering a 1-0 defeat. 

A statement from the Rodgers family, from Ballymena, requested privacy. 

Northern Ireland's first and deputy first ministers Arlene Foster and Martin McGuinness said: "It was with great shock and sadness we learned this morning of the death of Darren Rodgers in Nice last night as the result of a tragic accident. 

"The loss of a young life in these circumstances is truly heartbreaking and our thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family at this extremely difficult time." 

Open Image Modal
Flowers are left close to the scene where Rodgers died after a fall
Michael McHugh/PA Wire

Friends have been leaving tributes to Rodgers on his Facebook page. 

Lisa Getty wrote: "Absolutely devastated with the news today. Darren was always the life and soul of the party and one of the friendliest guys you'd ever meet. Thoughts are with all family and friends at the moment." 

Samuel Adair said: "Was a shock to hear the news about Darren this morning. Will be missed by everyone. Been in his company a good few times and had a good laugh. 

"Going down my news feed it's all about him. Just shows how much he was like. RIP mate."

Open Image Modal
A Police Service of Northen Ireland officer with a Gendarmerie in Nice, France ahead of the Northern Ireland's opening match against Poland in Euro 2016
Michael McHugh/PA Wire