Alliance Councillor Patrick Clarke said: “I am very saddened to learn of the tragic death of rally driver Ryan Bradley from the Kilrea area who lost his life following an accident near Lough Island Reavy in Kilcoo outside Castlewellan.
“The rally car Ryan Bradley was driving went into the water at Lough Island Reavy at around 11.30 approximately. Emergency services attended and a police team also attended the scene and recovered his body from the vehicle.
“His co-driver was able to escape from the rally car and raised the alarm before he was taken to Daisy Hill Hospital in Newry where his condition is stable.
“I would like to express my deepest sympathy and thoughts and prayers to the family at this very sad time following the death of Ryan Bradley.”