Former Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP) leader John Hume has passed away at the age of 83.
A Nobel Laureate, John Hume was awarded the prestigious accolade for his part in helping to forge the Good Friday Agreement and for his commitment to the pursuit of Irish unity by peaceful means. In ill health for a number of years, his family confirmed that he had passed away overnight in a short statement released to the public.
“We are deeply saddened to announce that John passed away peacefully in the early hours of the morning after a short illness.
“We would like to extend our deepest and heartfelt thanks to the care and nursing staff of Owen Mor nursing home in Derry. The care they have shown John in the last months of his life has been exceptional.”
According to John’s family, the funeral will be arranged in accordance with current government guidelines with strict limitations on numbers.
“We realise this will mean that many will be unable to join us and we will arrange a memorial service and a celebration of his life in due course.”
