A tribute has been made by the family of Gerald (Gerry) Gibson who died during an incident at Kellingley Colliery near Knottingley on Tuesday 27 September 2011:
We are all truly devastated by Gerry’s sudden and tragic death.
We would like to pay tribute to everyone involved in the attempts to rescue Gerry – all his work colleagues, Kellingley rescue team, the air ambulance team, Yorkshire Ambulance and all other medics who were on site.
Their tireless efforts were not in vain, resulting in the successful rescue of the other trapped miner, and everyone involved should take pride and comfort from that outcome. That’s what Gerry would have wanted.
Gerry, a dedicated miner for 32 years, was very proud of his Scottish roots.
Although residing in Sherburn-in-Elmet, North Yorkshire, since 1989 with his wife Brenda and their two boys, Sean and Andrew, he returned regularly to Scotland to visit his much loved family and friends in his former hometown of Shotts, and to share his passion of following Celtic FC.
He was regarded as a significant and well known character in both communities, and the kind words of sympathy and support we have received in reaction to Gerry’s death, from both north and south of the border, are testament to that.
He will be sorely missed.
Whilst we appreciate everyone’s concerns at this difficult time, we would ask that the media continues to respect our family’s wishes to be allowed to grieve in private.
Thank you.
The Gibson family
As part of the tribute a number of photographs have been released by the Gibson family.
