'Kyle didn't deserve this': Tributes to murder victim Kyle McDermott

Tributes have been paid to digger driver Kyle McDermott from Burt who was murdered close to his home in County Tyrone.

Mr McDermott died in Altnagelvin Hospital in the early hours of Monday after being attacked on Sunday night in the village of Ballymagorry.

Originally from Burt, McDermott had been living in Ballymagorry with his girlfriend, Chloe McGonagle.

The PSNI have launched a murder investigation following his death.

“A young man’s life has been cut short, and a loving family are now left trying come to terms with their grief. My thoughts are with them at this distressing time,” PSNI Detective Inspector Hazel Miller said.

Mr McDermott was a son of Stephen and Claire McDermott and worked in the construction industry. He worked as a digger driver and regularly shared clips of his work in TikTok.

“Kyle Mc Dermott, Forever 24,” wrote Strabane-based Independent Councillor Jason Barr in a tribute to his cousin.

“A smile that will never be seen again. Kyle didn’t deserve this.”

Councillor Barr said he is “devastated beyond words” following Mr McDermott’s death.

A 24-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday and remains in custody.

It is understood that an assault on Mr McDermott occurred at around 11.30pm on Sunday in the Victoria Road area of Ballymagorry outside Strabane.

Two ambulances were dispatched to the scene by the Northern Ireland Ambulance Service (NIAS), who received a 999 call.

After Mr McDermott passed away, a murder investigation was launched by Major Investigation team detectives.

The PSNI is appealing to anyone who was in the Victoria Road area on Sunday night between 6pm and midnight, or who may have captured CCTV, dash cam or mobile footage, to contact them on 101 quoting reference 1670 of 06/10/24.

Information can also be provided to the independent charity Crimestoppers, with total anonymity, on 0800 555 111 or online at www.crimestoppers-uk.org

Brighter Ballymagorry Development Group said it was “saddened” by the news and passed on their condolences to Mr McDermott’s heartbroken family.

Molly Malones Irish bar in Liverpool described Mr McDermott as “a very close friend and loyal customer”.

“To say he left a huge hole in all of our hearts is an understatement. Molly's is heartbroken,” they said in a social media post. “Kyle, may you rest in peace, kid. We will love and miss you dearly.”

Mr McDermott will be waked at the family home in Burt. His funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.