An American Football team from Belfast have paid tribute to a former player who was tragically killed in a motorcycle crash.
Matthew Stuart, 36, died following a one vehicle road traffic collision in Co Down on Thursday.
The incident happened at the Spa Road area of Ballynahinch.
Mr Stuart was a former player of the Belfast Trojans who play in the Irish American Football League.
The club said they were "deeply saddened" by his sudden passing.
Chairman Barry Keil said: "Matthew was an active member of the Belfast Trojans between 2015 and 2016.
"In that time he won the Shamrock Bowl, the highest honour in American Football in Ireland. Matthew brought speed and athleticism to the field but what we will most fondly remember him for was his kindness and his great humour.
"Most sports teams will describe themselves as a family but we truly feel that here at the Trojans and Matthew immersed himself in that atmosphere fully.
"Even after his playing days were over Matthew would still visit with team and support our efforts on the field.
"We cannot believe that he is gone. We would like to take this opportunity to offer our sincerest condolences to Matthews family and to his fiancé Lisa. All of our love is with you in this time."
In a separate tribute posted on their official Facebook page, the Trojans said: "The Trojan family are devastated by the loss of our former player Matthew Stuart who was taken suddenly today in a tragic accident.
"Matthew was a young man with so much life ahead of him. Our thoughts are with Matthew’s family and his fiancé Lisa at this terrible time.
"Goodbye Matthew you will be greatly missed."
The PSNI have appealed for anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact them.
Inspector Hardy said: “At around 1:10pm, it was reported a red Ducati motorcycle left the road close to the entrance of a laneway at the Spa Road.
"Matthew, who was originally from the Ballynahinch area tragically died at the scene.
“Enquiries are continuing and we are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or who may have dash-cam footage available to contact police on 101, quoting reference number 990 16/04/20.”
