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Fan plunges to his death at Euro 2016

Nice - A Northern Ireland fan became the first fatality at Euro 2016 on Monday plunging to his death in Nice, officials said.

Darren Rodgers, 24, fell over the guard rail at a restaurant on the beachside Promenade des Anglais and landed on gas bottles stored below at around 1.50 am, Jean-Michel Pretre said.

The Nice prosecutor said witnesses had reported that the man had appeared drunk and his fall did not appear to be the result of a fight.

Northern Ireland players and officials paid tribute to the fan.

Patrick Nelson, chief executive of the Irish FA, said: "On behalf of the Irish Football Association, I would like to express my deep sadness at the tragic death of a Northern Ireland supporter.

"The thoughts of everyone at the Association are with his family and friends at this time."

Midfielder Steven Davis tweeted: "So sad to wake up to the tragic news that a Northern Ireland fan has died in Nice, thoughts with his family and friends."

Northern Ireland lost 1-0 to Poland on Sunday in Nice in their first game of the tournament.

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