Sister pays tribute to NI man found dead in China

By David Hunter & Roger Donnelly

The Sister of a Northern Ireland man who was found dead in China says it's still unclear what happened to him. 

Craig Church from Portstewart was found on Tuesday after falling in an apparent tragic accident.

Carrie has spoken to QRadio news about the family's devastation at the loss. 

Mr.Church had been in the country teaching after a period travelling away from home. 

It's unclear how long it will take to bring Craig's remains home but the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust are in touch with authorities, and the Church family, to try and assist. 

Carrie Church said: "It's just still so difficult to think about, we're getting very little information so far.

"It's good to know Craig was enjoying his life over there, he was a teacher. He decided it was something he wanted to do because he was just a natural teacher, but he also loved languages."

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She went on to describe the 29 year old's love for life saying he was liked by almost everyone he met. 

"We're devastated, I don't think there are words to describe something like this. Our world has completely collapsed. 

Everybody loved Craig, and I don't think anyone would have anything bad to say about him. He was just the most polite, kind, generous person you could meet."

Friends have also been paying tribute online with one saying: " Craig was, without any doubt, the funniest person I ever met. Many years ago I compiled a list on Bebo of the top 10 funniest people I knew.

"He was number 1. It’s probably around 11 years since then but I still stand by that list. Maybe not numbers 2 to 10, but definitely number 1.

"I know for a fact I’m not the only one who thinks this. What I find more impressive is the fact that he was so funny to so many different types of people."