NIE Networks has confirmed the death of a "highly respected" member of their team in a substation incident in Portadown.
Castledawson man Richard Scott was fatally injured while working as an electrician for the firm on the town's Mahon Road on Wednesday.
Richard, who was also an assistant referee for the Irish Football Association, has been described as a "true gentleman" and a "character".
Paul Stapleton, Managing Director at NIE Networks said: "It is with great sadness that I can confirm an incident at Drumnakelly Main Substation yesterday resulted in the fatality of one of our colleagues, Richard Scott.
"We have been speaking with Richard’s family over the last 24 hours and our deepest sympathies are with them at this incredibly difficult time.
"Richard was a highly respected member of our team and his loss will be felt deeply across NIE Networks. Investigations by both the Health and Safety Executive and NIE Networks are underway into the circumstances of the incident."
Others who knew Richard, who was in his early 30s, have paid tribute to him on social media.
Trevor Moutray, Head of Refereeing at the Irish Football Association, said in a post on Facebook: "Hard to write this message. Earlier today I was delighted to wish an IFA refereeing team best wishes for their game tonight in Cardiff, and a few hours later, this message records the sudden death today of one of our refereeing family, Richard Scott, as a result of an accident in work.
"Difficult to rationalise or explain, as I received an e-mail just last night from Richard to say that he was unable to attend fitness tests next week as he was on call in work. And 24 hours later this tragic news emerges.
"Richard will be remembered as one of the characters within our ranks. He gave a number of years of excellent service to the local game as an Assistant Referee, and his experience was rewarded with a number of high profile appointments during this time, including national finals. The thoughts of the IFA's refereeing family are with the Scott family and close friends at this very tragic time."
A post on the Magherafelt Facebook group described Richard as a "true gent" who will be sadly missed.
Administrator Jonathan Hudson wrote: "Richard was a great friend to many around the town and further afield, especially in the football and marching band scene. I like many of you am shocked and saddened at his passing due to an accident.
"He tragically lost his life doing the job he loved working for Northern Ireland Electricity. Richard really was a true gent and will be missed by many of us."
He also shared his sympathies with Richard's family at this very sad time.
Draperstown Celtic, for whom Richard refereed on Saturday past has cancelled its upcoming pre season match against Ballymoney as a "mark of respect" to the "esteemed referee, assistant referee and friend to the club".
