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<\/p>\nIan Rutledge (43) passed away at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Belfast as a result of self-inflicted gun wounds.<\/p>\n
He was married to Vanessa Whyte (45) and was the father of her two children, James (14) and Sara (13).<\/p>\n
Vanessa and Sara were found dead in their Maguiresbridge home last Wednesday morning.<\/p>\n
James was taken to the South West Acute Hospital in Enniskillen, but died from his injuries later that day.<\/p>\n
The Belfast Telegraph understands that Rutledge had been brain dead and in critical care since the shooting. <\/p>\n
A PSNI statement issued on Monday evening said: \u201cThe Police Service of Northern Ireland has confirmed that a fourth person has now died following a shooting incident in Maguiresbridge.\u201d<\/p>\n
The statement added: \u201cIan Rutledge was taken to hospital on Wednesday 23 July, where he remained in a serious condition. He passed away this evening, 28 July.\u201d<\/p>\n
Detectives have reiterated their appeal for anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.<\/p>\n
Sources had previously said Rutledge had been experiencing depression and that his vision was deteriorating due to an underlying illness.<\/p>\n
Medical professionals had reportedly advised him that he could face complete loss of sight within a few years.<\/p>\n
According to local accounts, he had to give up his job as a lorry driver as a result of his worsening eye condition.<\/p>\n
He had since begun working alongside his father, who is an agricultural contractor.<\/p>\n
It is understood that Rutledge had returned to live at the family home in Maguiresbridge, having previously moved out following the end of a relationship several years earlier.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Ian Rutledge<\/p>\n
Mum and children killed in Maguiresbridge shooting tragedy named locally <\/p>\n
A source close to the family stated that there had been recent challenges within the couple\u2019s mixed marriage.<\/p>\n
It is understood the 999 emergency call from the Drummeer Road residence on Wednesday morning was made from the phone of 13-year-old Sara.<\/p>\n
Police have not yet confirmed who made the call, as the line remained silent during the emergency communication shortly before 8am.<\/p>\n
However, the call handler was able to hear activity in the background, prompting the alert.<\/p>\n
Attempts to return the call went unanswered.<\/p>\n
Emergency services arrived at the house shortly before 8.30am.<\/p>\n
Police described the scene inside the house as \u201charrowing\u201d.<\/p>\n
A vigil for Vanessa, Sara and James is taking place in Armagh at 6pm on Monday evening. <\/p>\n
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Ian Rutledge<\/p>\n
Maguiresbridge vigil takes place as book of condolence opens at young shooting victims\u2019 former school<\/p>\n
On Friday, at Maguiresbridge Primary School, which James and Sara were both previous pupils of, a vigil was also held for the three deceased family members.<\/p>\n