Tragic dad John Thompson '˜fun-loving and quite an entertainer'

The 56-year-old’s body was found in the River Bann on Monday.

Earlier a PSNI spokesman said police are not treating the death as suspicious.

Ballyclare councillor David Arthurs, who knew Mr Thompson, said he had been a “fun-loving man and very much into his family”.

“He had a son Mark and a daughter Megan and he was very close to them. John was just very outgoing and quite an entertainer. He played the flute and had played in a local band.

“He moved from Ballyclare to Portstewart and was into entertainment there too.

“His passing has been a big shock to everyone who knew him as you can see from the reaction on Facebook.”

The UUP councillor said he was in contact with Megan Thompson on Monday night and “she was very thankful for all the help they had received”.

Former Northern Ireland goalkeeper Tommy Wright also expressed his condolences to the Thompson family.

In a Facebook post he said: “Sorry to hear of sad news for Thompson family, great memories growing up with John in particular playing cricket in his yard, at the High School and in The Windies cricket team.

“Thoughts and prayers with all the family at this very sad time xx.”