A woman who survived a farming accident which killed a young rugby star, his father and brother has been released from hospital.
Emma Spence, the sister of Ulster Rugby's Nevin Spence, was being treated in Belfast's Royal Victoria Hospital for the effects of inhaling fumes following the weekend slurry tank tragedy.
Her two brothers and father were overcome by gas after falling into the tank at their farm on the Drumlough Road in Hillsborough, Co Down, on Saturday night.
Tributes are left at Ravenhill rugby ground, Belfast, where a book of condolence was opened in memory of rugby player Nevin Spence
The talented 22-year-old rugby player died along with his 30-year-old brother, Graham, who was married with two children, and their 52-year-old father, Noel.
Ms Spence, a well-known artist, was discharged from hospital as relatives revealed that the three men died trying to save each other.
A book of condolence was opened at Ulster Rugby's Ravenhill ground in Belfast, already the site of floral tributes, with the team's RaboDirect PRO12 game on Friday in Italy against Zebre postponed.
Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised.
There is widespread shock at the devastating blow to the remaining family members, Essie Spence and her daughter, Laura.
Last night the grieving relatives said: "The families of Noel, Graham and Nevin Spence are trying very hard to come to terms with their tragic loss.
Fans visited the Ravenhill rugby ground to sign a book of condolence
"The three men were very close to each other in life, and that love was expressed in their final moments trying to help one another."
They added: "The family is being supported and comforted by other family members, friends and neighbours.
"Arrangements for a thanksgiving service for the three are currently under way and details will appear in the press in due course."
The statement was released by Rev Rodney Stout, senior pastor at Ballynahinch Baptist Church, who said the family asked the media to respect their privacy at this difficult time.
The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is investigating the circumstances to establish a clear picture of how the tragedy unfolded.
Nevin Spence was already a star of the Ulster Rugby team and was tipped to have a glittering international career ahead of him.
At Ravenhill on Sunday his former colleagues were visibly shaken by news of the tragedy and players and club officials visited the Spence family to pass on their condolences.
David Humphreys, director of professional rugby at the club, said he was overwhelmed by the loss of a man he had watched rise through the ranks.
"There was huge potential," he said, citing highlights of a career already packed with achievement.
But he also recalled Nevin as a player who was hugely popular off the pitch, and added: "You just need to listen to some of the conversations with our players over the last 24 hours.
"All of us are struggling to come to terms with what has happened."
Nevin was a member of the Ulster Rugby squad which reached the European Heineken Cup Final last season, and he was predicted to have a major international future ahead of him in the game.
The former Wallace High School player was last year named Young Player of the Year at the Irish Rugby Union Players' Association Awards.
Northern Ireland first minister Peter Robinson and deputy first minister Martin McGuinness said they were deeply saddened by the tragic accident.
The Ulster Farmers' Union (UFU) said the deaths had shocked the entire farming community.
Irish tanaiste (deputy prime minister) Eamon Gilmore visited Ravenhill to pay his respects on behalf of the Dublin government.
Earlier, fans and friends of Nevin Spence signed a book of condolences and left tributes at the ever-growing wall of flowers and shirts at one end of the ground.
In a gesture typical of the sport, tea, coffee and biscuits were laid on for all those who felt compelled to come along.
The majority of those who made the unscheduled Monday trip to Ravenhill were the fans who pack the stands and terraces for Friday night matches.
Joan Young used to sell programmes at the turnstiles of Ravenhill.
"It's just so awful," she said.
Carol McAdam, who lives close to the ground, said it would take a long time before Ravenhill was the same again.
"It's a very sad occasion," she said. "I am a keen Ulster supporter and just think it's an awful loss of life.
"I didn't know the guy personally but you sort of feel part of the family with the Ulster team."
Mr Gilmore described the accident as a "deep, deep tragedy".