‘Always with a smile on his face’: Young Co Down man who died in utility vehicle accident remembered

Share current article via FacebookShare current article via PinterestShare current article via TwitterShare current article via LinkedInlead-art-block.fullscreen-enterExpandJosh McKnight died following an accident near Banbridge on Friday morning (Picture with permission Irish Quad and Sidebar Championship) By John BreslinOctober 11, 2026 at 3:35pm BSTA young Co Down man who died in a single vehicle accident on Friday was remembered over the weekend as someone “always with a smile on his face”.

Tributes were paid by the quad bike racing and GAA communities following the death of 21-year-old Josh McKnight, from Loughbrickland, a member of a well known family in the area.

Mr McKnight was a quad bike racing champion through his youth. He worked for the family businesses, JMK Quads and the more recently acquired Seven Stars Bar and Restaurant on Main Street, Loughbrickland.

He died at the scene of the accident involving a Polaris Ranger utility vehicle on Old Mill Road between Loughbrickland and Scarva.

“At approximately 5.50am, we received a report of a single vehicle collision on the Old Mill Road involving a Polaris Ranger,” a member of the PSNI’s Collision Investigation Unit said.

“Officers attended, alongside colleagues from other emergency services, but sadly the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.”

Quad Racing Ireland (QRI) said its officers and committee members wanted “to extend their deepest and most sincere condolences to Josh McKnight’s family and wider family circle during this incredibly difficult time”.

“Josh has been part of Quad Racing Ireland for many years, and we have had the privilege of watching him grow up alongside his fellow youth riders in the paddock, always remembered with a smile on his face,” QRI said.

“Josh’s loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him throughout the quad racing community and beyond. Our thoughts and heartfelt sympathies are with his family, friends, and everyone affected by this heart breaking loss.

“Rest in peace, Josh. You will be sadly missed and fondly remembered by the entire QRI Club.” Irish Quad and Sidecar Championship added its condolences to the family.

Clann na Banna GAA in Banbridge described the passing of the young man as “tragic”.

“The McKnight family, of the Seven Stars restaurant, are longstanding friends and generous sponsors of our club, and we are deeply saddened by this heartbreaking loss,” the club said.

“We extend our sincerest condolences to Josh’s parents, Jonathan and May, his sisters and brother Megan, Nathan, Amy and Cora, remembering also his late sister Ellen, and to his half-siblings Alia and Zackary.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire McKnight family, their extended family circle and all those who knew and loved Josh at this unimaginably difficult time.”

Nearby Aghaderg GAC and Ballyvarley HC described the news of the death as “devastating”. His half-sister is a member of the club.

“Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire McKnight family, their extended family circle, the local Loughbrickland community, and all those who knew and loved Josh at this unimaginably difficult time,” the club said.

A funeral service will be held in Second Anaghlone Presbyterian Church on Monday October 12 at 2pm followed by a private family committal.