The BVA has paid tribute to Lord Ballyedmond, founder of the veterinary pharmaceutical company Norbrook Laboratories, after he was killed in a helicopter crash in Norfolk last Thursday.

The life peer (pictured second from left collecting a business award in 2011) founded Norbrook over 40 years ago. It became one of the biggest manufacturers of animal health products globally, and now employs more than 1000 people. Dr. Edward Haughey, as he was previously known, was ennobled in 2004.  

Following his death, Norbrook issued the following statement:

"It is with sincere sadness and deep regret that the Company confirms our founding Chairman and CEO, Lord Ballyedmond, was one of four people who tragically lost their lives in an aviation accident at Gillingham, Norfolk at approximately 7.30pm on Thursday 13 March 2014.

Norbrook management and staff also mourn the loss of their friends and colleagues Declan Small (Site Foreman), Captain Carl Dickerson (Pilot) and Captain Lee Hoyle (Pilot). 

Our thoughts are with the immediate families and friends of the deceased who have requested privacy at this difficult time.

We take enormous pride in our Chairman's extraordinary legacy in establishing Norbrook as a global veterinary and pharmaceutical industry leader. Management will continue to advance his pioneering vision with a renewed vigor and determination befitting his memory."

BVA President Robin Hargreaves said: "We are deeply saddened to hear of the tragic passing of Lord Ballyedmond. He has been a great supporter of the veterinary profession and of BVA, and made an enormous contribution to veterinary medicine. He built opportunity for thousands of people in Northern Ireland and around the world and had a huge commercial and industrial presence throughout my whole career. Above all Lord Ballyedmond was a family man and all our thoughts are with his wife and children at this time."

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