Statement by TUV leader Jim Allister:
“I was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the untimely death of Dr John Hinds.
“Just three weeks ago Dr Hinds and I met the Health Minister to press him about the need for a Northern Ireland Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS).
“Dr Hinds was a man who displayed a very clear passion for improving the provision of emergency treatment. He was able to present a clear and compelling case for an air ambulance and displayed a knowledge of the issue which was second to none.
“My thoughts and prayers are with his family and loved ones at this time. It is important that we acknowledge as well, however, that his death is a loss to the whole of Northern Ireland.
“It would be a fitting tribute for government to now proceed with air ambulance and I trust that the momentum which he was creating towards this end will not be lost.”