A young Dungannon man who died suddenly has been described as a “gentleman” who was gifted in engineering.
Matas Linkevicius (20), a former pupil of St Patrick’s College in Dungannon, passed away at home on Sunday.
In a post on its Facebook page, the school said it was deeply saddened to learn of his death.
“He was a fine young man and all teachers, support staff and students remember him as a hard working student, quiet and independent, always respectful and committed,” they said.
Matas, who left the school in June 2019, studied Business Studies, Engineering and Digital Technology at A Level.
“He was gifted in engineering especially and he developed great skills in CAD,” the school said. “Matas understood computing and programming at a high level and his ability to design and understand the complexities of these areas made him stand out.
“He was always humble though and he never sought the limelight.
“Matas was a gentleman and this world is the poorer without his presence.”
The school extended its sympathies to his parents Algis and Aina and his sisters Daniele and Goda, who are in years 12 and 9, adding that Mata’s loss was “immeasurable”.
The family has requested no flowers, with donations instead being made payable to The National Autistic Society NI, c/o Holmes of Dungannon, Tyrone House, 2 Ballygawley Road, Dungannon, BT70 1EL, or alternatively made online – https://www.autism.org.uk/get-involved/donate.